Episode 6

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Published on:

27th Feb 2024

EP 6 “My Way” with Brian Burke

Episode 6 features special guest Brian Burke, the executive director of the Professional Women's Hockey League Players Association. The hosts, Neil and Vic explore potential trades involving Eastern Conference UFAs, such as Jake Guentzel and Vladimir Tarasenko.

Burke joins the conversation to discuss the second topic, the puzzle in Pittsburgh. The focus is on his impact and the challenges faced by the Penguins since their 2017 Stanley Cup win. The hosts then shift to the Pro Women's Hockey League (PWHL), detailing its connection with Brian Burke, unique rules, and reasons for anticipated long-term success. 

The episode wraps up with insights into potential trades involving Western Conference UFAs and a segment on "The Human Side of the Story," featuring reflections on Brian Burke's diverse career and an amusing anecdote about John Purdy's brief fame. 

IN THIS EPISODE: 

  • [01:21] Neil Smith announces the upcoming segments, including one-timers, discussions on the Eastern and Western conferences, and an interview with Brian Burke.
  • [05:06] One Timers Segment: Battle of Alberta and Devils slow starts at home proving costly 
  • [12:39] Brian Burke joins the show, discusses the Pittsburgh Penguins, Jake Gensel's contract situation, Mike Sullivan's coaching tenure and PWHL
  • [29:30] PWHL new rules in the league, including the jailbreak and unique standings format.
  • [41:18] NHL Trade Speculation [46:15] Brief summary of the 18 players discussed between Eastern and Western conferences. [48:51 ] Personal Stories about Brian Burke
  • [43:24] Discussion on Jordan Eberle's potential impact as a free agent at the end of the year.
  • [44:24] Vic Morin and Neil Smith discuss potential player movements in California, focusing on the Anaheim Ducks.
  • [45:33] Speculation about Anthony Duclair's potential move back to Florida and the trade deadline strategy for the San Jose Sharks.
  • [46:37] Human side of the Story John Purdy’s 15-seconds of fame
  • [48:49] Brian Burke's career, including his roles as a general manager and his personal advocacy for inclusion in hockey.

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

  • Discussion on the physicality and intensity of the game between the Calgary Flames and the Edmonton Oilers.
  • Analysis of potential player movements and trade deadline dynamics in both the Eastern and Western conferences.
  • Insights into the Professional Women's Hockey League and the involvement of Mark Walter and Billie Jean King in the league's ownership.
  • Speculation on the potential impact of free agents, such as Jordan Eberle, Jason Zucker, and Matt Dumba, on various teams.
  • Personal anecdotes and reflections on Brian Burke's career, including his contributions to the Vancouver Canucks and Anaheim Ducks, as well as his advocacy for inclusion in hockey.

RESOURCE LINKS 

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/

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

NHL Wraparound Tik Tok:https://www.tiktok.com/@nhlwraparound

NHL Wraparound Facebook::https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555451139787

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NHL and UBS Financial Services Inc. are not affiliated. UBS Financial Services Inc. (UBS) is a sponsor of The Human Side of the Story. No other affiliation, relationship or endorsement is made, suggested, intended or should be implied or inferred between UBS and Produce your Podcast, or any of the individuals or businesses, and/or their respective products and services appearing in this program.



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BIO:

Brian P. Burke (born June 30, 1955) is an American-Canadian ice hockey executive, currently the Executive Director of the Professional Women's Hockey League Players Association (PWHLPA). He previously worked in the NHL league office, including as the director of hockey operations, and worked as general manager of the Hartford Whalers, Vancouver Canucks, Anaheim Ducks—with whom he won the Stanley Cup in 2007—and Toronto Maple Leafs, as well as president of hockey operations for the Leafs, Calgary Flames, and Pittsburgh Penguins. Burke was general manager for the silver-medalist United States national team for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. He is a member of Rugby Canada's board of directors. Burke was inducted into the Rhode Island Hockey Hall of Fame in 2019.


 #NHL #Hockey #Podcast #Sports #Broadcasting #StanleyCup #Coaching #Media #Management #ESPN #TNT #Playoffs #Championships #NeilSmith #VicMorren #ConnorBedard #EdmontonOilers #CalgaryFlames  #BattleOfAlberta #PittsburghPenguins #NewJerseyDevils #VancouverCanucks #BrianBurke, #PWHL,  #MikeSullivan

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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.