Episode 4

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Published on:

13th Feb 2024

EPISODE 4: Flying Under the Radar with Kevin Cheveldayoff | Underdog Teams, Backup Goalies, and NHL Trade Deadline Strategy

In Episode 4 of NHL Wraparound, hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren break down the surprising rise of under-the-radar teams like the Detroit Red Wings and Philadelphia Flyers, analyze the polarizing career of Brad Marchand, and explore the critical role of backup goaltenders in today’s NHL playoff picture.

Special guest Kevin Cheveldayoff, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Winnipeg Jets, joins the show to discuss the team’s recent slump, key acquisitions like Elias Lindholm, and the organization’s strategic approach leading up to the trade deadline. Cheveldayoff shares insight into the tough decisions behind parting ways with veterans like Blake Wheeler, transitioning leadership to Adam Lowry, and maintaining a competitive roster while staying focused on the big picture.

The conversation also touches on the art of handing out supplemental discipline in the NHL, unpacking the factors that influence player suspensions and fines.

The episode wraps up with The Human Side of the Story, as Vic reflects on Rendez-Vous ’87 and shares memories of hockey media colleagues, while Neil recounts a heartfelt story about his years as a camp counselor mentoring Jimmy Hughes.

IN THIS EPISODE:

  • [01:39] Teams causing trouble in the Eastern Conference
  • [03:00] Updated playoff projections
  • [03:21] Brad Marchand’s 1000th game and polarizing NHL career
  • [06:09] The rising importance of backup goaltenders
  • [11:00] Historical trends in playoff goaltending
  • [14:03] Interview with Winnipeg Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff
  • [16:39] Cheveldayoff’s early experiences with Butch Goring
  • [17:06] Analyzing the Jets’ performance and the Sean Monahan acquisition
  • [26:39] The emotional highs and lows of playoff hockey
  • [27:18] Impact of injuries to key players during a playoff run
  • [28:39] The decision to part ways with Blake Wheeler and hand leadership to Adam Lowry
  • [29:10] Trades signaling the team’s commitment to win now
  • [33:21] Reaction to a controversial incident in the Ottawa-Toronto game
  • [39:39] Vic reflects on Rendez-Vous ’87 and pays tribute to fellow media figures
  • [41:56] Neil shares his experience mentoring Jimmy Hughes at summer camp

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

The Detroit Red Wings and Philadelphia Flyers are disrupting playoff expectations in the Eastern Conference, creating challenges for more established teams.

Backup goaltenders are becoming pivotal difference-makers as teams approach the playoffs, raising questions about the long-term reliance on franchise goaltenders in championship runs.

Kevin Cheveldayoff provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at the pressures and complexities of NHL general management, from balancing roster moves to navigating the emotional stakes of playoff hockey.

Neil Smith reflects on the ripple effects of mentorship, sharing how his guidance impacted players like the Hughes brothers.

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

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Kevin A. Cheveldayoff (born February 4, 1970), nicknamed "Chevy," is a Canadian hockey executive and former player who currently serves as Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Winnipeg Jets. Drafted 16th overall by the New York Islanders in 1988, Cheveldayoff played junior hockey with the Brandon Wheat Kings before a knee injury ended his playing career. He has since built a respected career in NHL management.

#NHL #Hockey #Podcast #Sports #Broadcasting #StanleyCup #Coaching #Media #Management #Playoffs #NeilSmith #VicMorren #KevinCheveldayoff #WinnipegJets #ConnorBedard #MorganRielly #RidlyGreig #NHLTradeDeadline #BradMarchand #DetroitRedWings #PhiladelphiaFlyers #EliasLindholm #SeanMonahan #RendezVous87 #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.