Episode 8

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Published on:

12th Mar 2024

EP 8 Dissecting the Deadline with Mike Santos

Episode 8 features discussions on the NHL playoffs, trade deadline moves, and the future of Team 33 with Mike Santos, an experienced NHL assistant GM and the founder of Team 33. They evaluate the impact of trade deadline moves on the playoff race, strategic implications of pulling the goalie in overtime, and the physicality of games in the Western Conference. 

The conversation also addresses the complexities of evaluating player performance and contracts in today's NHL, and the future plans of Team 33 to develop a web-based program and app. 

Additionally, the hosts discuss the intense competition expected in the playoffs, potential upsets, and the significance of the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Overall, the episode provides a comprehensive analysis of the NHL trade deadline, playoff race, and strategic decisions made by teams and players, offering insights into the competitive landscape and future developments in the hockey industry.

IN THIS EPISODE: 

  • [01:27] - One Timer  “The Neil Scorecard”: Outcome for 18 UFA’s for teams outside of playoffs   
  • [05:17] - Introduction to Mike Santos      
  • [06:57] - Discussion on evaluating contracts and having more scouts than NHL clubs
  • [07:21] - Providing data in a hockey-specific and useful way
  • [08:18] - Analysis of trade deadline moves in the Western Conference
  • [29:09] - Mike Santos discussing trade deadline evaluations
  • [30:12] - Discussion on pulling the goalie in overtime
  • [34:48] - Human Side of the Story 
  • [39:06] - Discussing memories of playing against the Montreal Canadiens

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

  • Team 33 has a significant advantage in evaluating contracts and players, with over 20 professional scouts compared to the three or four typically found in an NHL club.
  • The trade deadline moves in the Western Conference have created an intense arms race, with teams fortifying themselves for a playoff run.
  • The increasing use of no-trade and no-move clauses in player contracts is impacting trade negotiations and player movement.
  • The upcoming playoffs are expected to be highly competitive, with potential upsets and physicality, particularly in the Western Conference.

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/

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BIO:

Michael Santos : Hockey Executive and Sports Attorney possessing a broad and practical knowledge of the law combined with excellent business acumen. Experience managing complex amateur and professional sports organizations including athletes, events, facilities, governance, operations, dispute resolution, litigation, mergers, acquisitions and real estate transactions. Excels at drafting, enforcing, negotiating and reviewing contracts, legal documents, rules and regulations.


#NHL #Hockey #Podcast #IceHockey #Sports #Broadcasting #StanleyCup #Coaching #Media #Management #ESPN #TNT #Playoffs #Championships #NeilSmith #VicMorren #ConnorBedard #EdmontonOilers #CalgaryFlames #PittsburghPenguins #NewJerseyDevils #VancouverCanucks #MikeSantos #WinnipegJets #Team33

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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.