Episode 100

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Published on:

24th May 2026

Episode 100 - A Discussion with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman

NHL Wraparound launched its first guest episode on Jan. 30, 2024 with Wayne Gretzky joining Neil and Vic.

Less than 2.5 years and multiple franchises later, the 100th episode of the flagship show goes right to the top again for an insightful discussion with the man serving the longest as head of any of the North American pro sports, commissioner Gary Bettman.

The 35-minute interview hits on numerous topics from his growing up in New York to the experience of presenting the Stanley Cup and plenty in between.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:49] - NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman joins Neil and Vic and shares his early years growing up as a fan in New York, which became further enhanced when going to college at Cornell. Also a little fun about an old Bettman family business.

[08:04] - Bettman shares what he took from his NBA experience with commissioner David Stern into the position he's held with the NHL since 1993.

[10:53] - Expansion. The NHL has grown from 24 to 32 teams under Bettman's leadership. Is there a true right number of teams to aspire to grow to given the difficulty of winning the Stanley Cup?

[14:01] - Player safety. The standard NHL rink has been 200' x 85' since 1929 while the average player size has moved grown by over four inches and nearly 30 pounds. Given the speed of today's game, is there reason for concern?

[16:33] - Load management and the debate of whether playoff solidified teams should be permitted to sit players in games against teams still fighting for playoff spots.

[19:21] - The current relationship with current NHLPA head Marty Walsh. Having gone through three lockouts - including losing the entire 2004-05 season working with Walsh's predecessors, there is labor peace in the NHL through at least September of 2030.

[21:33] - The obligation to the media, which has gotten some unwanted publicity following the Golden Knights penalties for violating media rules following their second round clinching game against Anaheim.

[25:15] - The now de-centralized NHL Draft and the story of why it's currently the format in place.

[27:50] - Legacy secured, the top items of importance for the commissioner for as long as he remains in the position.

[29:48] - Bettman will present his 32nd Stanley Cup in June. A couple of things you may not have known and a heartfelt revelation of just how special those moments are to the commissioner. Then Neil brings the discussion full circle to wrap up.

[37:31] - Wrap up segment.

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/

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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.