Episode 30

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Published on:

26th Sep 2024

Episode 30 - Looking to Hit the High Note with Blues GM Doug Armstrong

Neil Smith and Vic Morren welcome St. Louis Blues President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Doug Armstrong to the show marking the return of weekly recordings and influential guests in the hockey world.

Other topics covered in the show include re-visiting the contract of Edmonton Oilers star Leon Draisaitl, the extension signed in Pittsburgh signed by captain Sidney Crosby, a couple of key injuries suffered by defensemen during the pre-season and Neil's "Burning Questions" from each division with the 2024-25 season fast approaching.

IN THIS EPISODE: 

  • [03:22] - Neil and Doug Armstrong share stories about Doug's father, Hall-of-Fame linesman and, later, Montreal Canadiens scout, Neil Armstrong.
  • [07:02] - A discussion on the offer sheets which lured Philip Broberg and forward Dylan Holloway from the Edmonton Oilers.
  • [14:48] - The expectations of head coach Drew Bannister entering his first full season behind the Blues bench.
  • [16:15] - Armstrong shares thoughts on how his Cup-winning coach Craig Berube will fare with a very different type of team in Toronto.
  • [18:45] - With key defenseman Torey Krug likely to miss the entire season, Armstrong speaks about bolstering his backline - in particular the signing of Ryan Suter.
  • [20:55] - After extending for two more seasons in his current duel roles, Armstrong talks about turning over the reigns to Alex Steen.
  • [26:32] - Clarity on the Leon Draisaitl extention in Edmonton with Connor McDavid having two seasons remaining on his deal before becoming a UFA.
  • [28:40] - Sidney Crosby extends in Pittsburgh leaving money on the table in order to give the club the opportunity to add stronger support players.
  • [30:58] - Injury news on defensemen Ryan Lindgren (NYR) and Drew Doughty (LA).
  • [34:17] - The contract saga of Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman.
  • [37:24] - The New Jersey Devils have made notable changes behind the bench, in goal and on their blue line. How will it all mesh?
  • [39:45] - A look at how the Nashville Predators profile has changed with the signings of Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault and Brady Skjei.
  • [41:37] - Thoughts on potential impact on the Vancouver Canucks with number one goalie Thatcher Demko still recovering from a knee that has been nagging him since taking place in the opening game of the 2024 playoffs against Nashville.

[46:02] The Human Side of the Story discusses the career and life of Neil Armstrong, father of guest of the show, Blues President of Hockey Operations, Doug Armstrong.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

  • As he winds down his GM career with the St. Louis Blues, Doug Armstrong speaks about the construction of his team with Drew Bannister behind the bench for his first full season. Armstrong also shares why Alex Steen is the right man as his successor.
  • Contracts, contract disputes, injuries and "Four Burning Questions" highlight an array of topics addressed as the 2024-25 season nears.

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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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.