Episode 15

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Published on:

30th Apr 2024

EPISODE 15: Second in Command — A Discussion with NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly | Relocation, Video Review, and the Future of the League

In Episode 15 of NHL Wraparound, hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren are joined by Bill Daly, Deputy Commissioner of the National Hockey League, for a deep dive into the league’s direction and pressing issues facing the sport.

Daly discusses the Arizona Coyotes' relocation to Utah, providing an inside look at what led to the move, the failed Tempe arena referendum, and the transitional agreement allowing the team’s owner to potentially reactivate the franchise in the future. The conversation sheds light on the behind-the-scenes logistics and long-term implications of franchise shifts for the league, players, and fans.

The discussion moves into the state of video review in the NHL, specifically how it’s applied to controversial calls like goaltender interference. Daly explains the current balance between accuracy and pace of play, and offers perspective on how technology and review systems may evolve.

The episode also explores media rights, streaming, and the league’s growing partnerships with platforms like Amazon, especially in Canada. Daly shares where the NHL sees opportunity to expand its fan base through digital media.

Finally, the show concludes with a thoughtful Human Side of the Story, featuring reflections on Daly’s role in the game and a heartfelt tribute to broadcasting legend Bob Cole—a voice synonymous with the NHL for generations.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:21] One-Timers: Tampa Bay’s outlook & the magic of playoff overtime

[06:24] Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly joins the show

[06:53] The Utah transition: From Arizona Coyotes to a new NHL market

[14:45] NHL expansion possibilities and long-term market growth

[25:25] NHL video review: What works and what needs improvement

[30:31] Evolution of review technology and officiating integrity

[34:31] NHL broadcast innovation: Amazon, streaming, and fan access

[38:40] Coaching carousel: turnover rates and salary cap effects

[41:09] Lindy Ruff’s return to Buffalo: The story behind the decision

[48:07] Human Side of the Story: Bill Daly’s career and core values

[53:08] Remembering Bob Cole and his voice of hockey history

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • The NHL’s move from Arizona to Utah reflects the challenges of venue development and the league’s flexibility in transitional planning.
  • Video review is evolving, but remains grounded in balancing accuracy with the spirit of live gameplay.
  • Broadcast rights and digital platforms like Amazon represent the future of hockey viewership, especially among younger audiences.
  • Leadership decisions—from league executives to NHL coaches—are increasingly shaped by salary cap realities and performance urgency.
  • Bill Daly offers rare personal insight into the role of Deputy Commissioner and pays tribute to Bob Cole, one of the game’s great storytellers.

LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgBj1LV0-DMfBhcRPSJZLjA

X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparound

Neil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeil

Vic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nhlwraparound

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558685344275

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ABOUT BILL DALY:

William L. “Bill” Daly III is the Deputy Commissioner and Chief Legal Officer of the NHL, serving as the league’s second-in-command under Commissioner Gary Bettman. He has played a pivotal role in labor negotiations, franchise relocations, media rights deals, and international growth strategies. Daly is also a Hockey Hall of Fame board memberand a respected voice in hockey’s executive landscape.

#NHL #Hockey #Podcast #BillDaly #NHLDeputyCommissioner #FranchiseRelocation #ArizonaCoyotes #UtahHockey #VideoReview #Streaming #AmazonPrimeHockey #NHLBroadcasting #StanleyCupPlayoffs #BobCole #NeilSmith #VicMorren #NHLWraparound

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About the Podcast

NHL Wraparound Podcast
Neil Smith & Vic Morren
Breadth and depth.
Contemporary and historical.
Straight-forward and experienced.
The NHL Wraparound podcast features Neil Smith, President-General Manager of the 1994 Stanley Cup Champion New York Rangers and longtime ESPN/NHL veteran Vic Morren sharing no-nonsense opinions on news and issues around the National Hockey League.

Bringing decades of experience from their respective fields, Smith and Morren create a unique partnership that examines the NHL from multiple perspectives. Additionally, as hockey historians, the pair can delve into any topic in today’s game and enlighten the audience with connections to events from previous years. To truly appreciate where hockey stands today, one needs to understand its past.

With 2024 marking the 30th anniversary of the Rangers last championship season, a special five-part series is planned to commemorate that magical run. Expect fascinating behind-the-scenes stories and special guests with particular focus on the GM who pushed all of his chips into the middle of the table amidst the most pressurized environments – and came out on top.

Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned fan, each episode of NHL Wraparound will leave you entertained and informed.


Bio’s
Neil S. Smith, highly regarded NHL executive, served as the President and General Manager of the 1994 Stanley Cup Champion New York Rangers. During his eleven years with the team, they achieved significant success, including three division titles, two Presidents’ Trophies, one Eastern Conference Championship, and a historic Stanley Cup victory—the franchise’s first in 54 years.

Known for his expertise in professional sports franchise economics, Smith played a pivotal role in management decisions under four different Rangers owners.. His tenure saw iconic trades and acquisitions, including Hall of Famers Mark Messier and Wayne Gretzky, as well as successful drafts and free-agent signings.

Starting as a pro scout, Smith's career highlights include the impactful 1989 draft for the Detroit Red Wings and bold trades that shaped NHL history. He briefly served as GM for the New York Islanders in 2006, later working as a consultant for the Dallas Stars, Pittsburgh Penguins, and the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.

A Toronto native, Smith's hockey journey began in junior leagues before a distinguished college career at Western Michigan University. He has received numerous awards and distinctions, including induction into the University's Sports Hall of Fame in 1991.

Vic Morren: Born in New York City close to the Old Madison Square Garden, Vic Morren has had hockey in his blood his entire life as a fan, player and television production manager.

A graduate of William Paterson University, Morren skated for three seasons with the Pioneers hockey club and became the first statistical analyst to apply his craft to telecasts working New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils games from 1984-87. He co-authored two NHL-based statistics books within that span before moving to ESPN in 1987 and working the final season of the original deal the network had with the NHL.
After departing in 1990, Morren worked as a studio producer for SportsChannel America’s NHL coverage and the 1992 Barcelona Olympics before returning to ESPN that fall where he worked all 12 seasons on the second ESPN/NHL deal and the first season of the most recent contract in 2021-22. Morren has also earned a Sports Emmy for his work on Sunday Night Football coverage in 2003.

His relationship with Neil Smith dates back 33 years through their mutual friendship with the late ESPN/ABC commentator John Saunders. Morren looks forward to NHL Wraparound and collaborating with Smith with the goal to provide an experience of contemporary viewpoints, historical spin and an overall enriching podcast experience.