Episode 2

full
Published on:

30th Jan 2024

EPISODE 2: Great Beginnings with Wayne Gretzky | NHL Legends, Team Breakdowns & The Future of Hockey

Join hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren as they welcome “The Great One,” Wayne Gretzky, for an unforgettable conversation on the present and future of the NHL. Gretzky shares exclusive insights into today’s players, how the game has evolved, and what lies ahead for the league’s next generation of stars.

Neil and Vic also dive into the latest headlines around the NHL, breaking down the challenges faced by the Toronto Maple Leafs, the resurgence of the Edmonton Oilers, and the Chicago Blackhawks' rebuild. They analyze Lou Lamoriello’s coaching changes with the New York Islanders and debate whether Auston Matthews could one day reach the coveted 800-goal milestone.

Along the way, they reflect on their own journeys breaking into the hockey world — sharing behind-the-scenes stories from the front office, the broadcast booth, and beyond.

🏒 IN THIS EPISODE:

  • [01:49] Quick-hitting NHL headlines in “One-Timers”
  • [05:29] Breaking down the pressure on the Toronto Maple Leafs
  • [08:10] Managing expectations in hockey’s biggest market
  • [10:34] What’s next for Toronto’s playoff hopes
  • [15:20] Exclusive interview with Wayne Gretzky
  • [19:54] The evolution of today’s NHL stars
  • [24:51] The Edmonton Oilers’ season turnaround
  • [25:28] Analyzing the Oilers’ team structure and strategy
  • [25:58] Why team balance is key to playoff success
  • [26:44] Evaluating the Oilers’ trade decisions
  • [27:23] Projecting Edmonton’s playoff potential
  • [28:24] Gretzky’s transition to life as an analyst
  • [33:32] Reaction to the Islanders’ coaching change under Lou Lamoriello
  • [39:25] Personal stories: How Neil & Vic started their hockey careers
  • [46:21] Final thoughts & what to watch next around the NHL

🚨 KEY TAKEAWAYS:

✅ Vic Morren emphasizes how health, luck, and playoff matchups determine who truly becomes a championship contender.

✅ Neil Smith raises concerns about the Blackhawks and Sharks gutting their rosters — questioning the development path for young stars like Connor Bedard.

✅ The enormous pressure on the Toronto Maple Leafs to end their Stanley Cup drought, with salary cap constraints looming large.

✅ Wayne Gretzky reflects on the Oilers’ resurgence, their improved depth, and how today’s young players must adapt to the NHL’s physical demands.


🎧 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:

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

👉 YouTube: Watch here

👉 Follow us on X: @NHLWraparound

👉 Neil Smith: @NYCNeil

👉 Vic Morren LinkedIn: Vic Morren

👉 Instagram: @nhlwraparound

👉 TikTok: @nhlwraparound

👉 Facebook: Follow us

🎉 SPONSORS & OFFERS:

🏒 MeiGray: Your official source for game-worn NHL jerseys. Start your collection today at MeiGray.com.

➡️ Use code WRAP10 for 10% off any hockey jersey exclusively for NHL Wraparound listeners!

👖 DUER: Upgrade your wardrobe with ultra-comfortable, performance denim at shopduer.com/NHLFAN.

➡️ Use code NHLFAN for 15% off your first order!


📖 ABOUT WAYNE GRETZKY:

Wayne Gretzky, born January 26, 1961, in Brantford, Ontario, is widely regarded as the greatest hockey player of all time. A four-time Stanley Cup champion with the Edmonton Oilers, Gretzky holds the NHL record for most career points — a mark no player has yet approached. His legacy extends from the ice to coaching, broadcasting, and growing the game globally.



Wayne Gretzky interview, NHL podcast, Toronto Maple Leafs playoffs, Edmonton Oilers analysis, Auston Matthews goals, Lou Lamoriello coaching, Connor Bedard, Chicago Blackhawks rebuild, NHL management, hockey podcast, Stanley Cup playoffs, hockey legends



Next Episode All Episodes Previous Episode

Listen for free

Show artwork for NHL Wraparound Podcast

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.