Episode 6

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Published on:

27th Feb 2024

EPISODE 6: “My Way” with Brian Burke | Trade Deadline Moves, PWHL Growth, and Leadership in Hockey

In Episode 6 of NHL Wraparound, hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren welcome Brian Burke, legendary NHL executive and current Executive Director of the Professional Women's Hockey League Players Association (PWHLPA), for a wide-ranging conversation on hockey operations, team building, and leadership.

The show opens with insights into the Eastern Conference trade market, focusing on pending UFAs like Jake Guentzel and Vladimir Tarasenko, followed by an update on slow starts plaguing teams like the New Jersey Devils.

Brian Burke joins to unpack what he calls the "Pittsburgh puzzle"—an in-depth look at the Penguins’ trajectory since their 2017 Stanley Cup win, including Mike Sullivan’s tenure, roster challenges, and Burke’s own role in shaping the team’s future.

From there, the conversation shifts to the PWHL, where Burke shares his enthusiasm for the league’s vision, leadership from Billie Jean King and Mark Walter, and the innovative rules (like “the jailbreak” and points-based standings) designed to ensure competitive balance and long-term success.

The episode wraps with Western Conference trade speculation, a quickfire review of potential UFA moves, and The Human Side of the Story, featuring personal stories about Brian Burke’s leadership journey, his advocacy for inclusion in hockey, and a humorous memory involving John Purdy’s 15 seconds of fame.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:21] Segment preview: Eastern/Western Conference trades + Brian Burke interview

[05:06] One-Timers: Battle of Alberta intensity, Devils' home-game struggles

[12:39] Brian Burke on the Penguins, Guentzel’s future, Sullivan, and PWHL insights

[29:30] PWHL’s unique rules: the jailbreak, new standings system, and long-term strategy

[41:18] Trade speculation continues with potential moves across both conferences

[43:24] Jordan Eberle and free-agent outlook

[44:24] Anaheim Ducks & California market strategy

[45:33] Anthony Duclair’s possible return to Florida & Sharks' trade deadline moves

[46:37] Human Side of the Story: John Purdy’s 15 seconds of fame

[48:49] Reflections on Brian Burke’s career and leadership in the NHL and beyond

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • The Battle of Alberta remains one of the NHL’s most physical rivalries with major implications for both teams.
  • Burke shares how managing Pittsburgh post-dynasty required tough decisions amid aging stars and a shifting NHL landscape.
  • The PWHL is poised for long-term success thanks to strong ownership, smart rules, and a growing fan base.
  • Teams like Colorado, Vegas, and Philadelphia are navigating the trade deadline with caution and long-term planning in mind.
  • Burke’s advocacy for inclusion, his championship run with the Anaheim Ducks, and career-spanning leadership lessons serve as inspiration for hockey's next generation.

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=61555451139787

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ABOUT BRIAN BURKE:

Brian P. Burke is a decorated hockey executive, having served as GM of the Hartford Whalers, Vancouver Canucks, Anaheim Ducks (winning the Stanley Cup in 2007), and Toronto Maple Leafs. He was also president of hockey operations for the Calgary Flames and Pittsburgh Penguins, and served in the NHL’s league office. Now Executive Director of the PWHLPA, Burke is known for his outspoken leadership, integrity, and advocacy for inclusion in hockey.

#NHL #Hockey #Podcast #BrianBurke #PWHL #SportsLeadership #StanleyCup #TradeDeadline #JakeGuentzel #JordanEberle #VladimirTarasenko #MikeSullivan #CalgaryFlames #EdmontonOilers #BattleOfAlberta #OttawaSenators #PittsburghPenguins #VancouverCanucks #NeilSmith #VicMorren #InclusionInHockey #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.