Episode 33

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Published on:

22nd Oct 2024

Episode 33 - Hot Start with Calgary Flames President of Hockey Ops Don Maloney

Calgary Flames President of Hockey Operations Don Maloney joins Neil and Vic to discuss one of the early surprises of the NHL season.

Prior to Maloney joining the show, the hosts are giving a nod to a pair of players who are not historically big-time goal-scorers but putting some numbers early. They also credit the Florida Panthers for battling their way through some early season injuries as well as the Winnipeg Jets - authors of the NHL's only perfect record through two weeks.

Following the discussion with Maloney, Vic and Neil look at the six clubs with the oldest average age and how each pair is in a very different stage based on their current expectations. A handful of player items is also discussed - most specifically, Bruins captain Brad Marchand being called out by head coach Jim Montgomery following an undisciplined play during the B's overtime loss in Utah.

The show concludes with the Human Side of the Story and a look back of how a lesser-known player is actually a very important part of NHL history.

IN THIS EPISODE: 

  • [01:05] - Quick goal-scoring bursts out of the gate by the Caps Tom Wilson and Ross Colton of the Avalanche.
  • [02:35] - The defending champion Florida Panthers manage a quick start despite injuries to captain Alex Barkov and Matt Tkachuk.
  • [04:20] - The Winnipeg Jets open the season 5-0-0, the only team with a perfect mark through the first two weeks of the season.
  • [09:40] - Don Maloney speaks about the player personnel in Calgary and the goal of making the playoffs with a team not expected to contend.
  • [13:02] - the growth of Ryan Huska as head coach behind the Flames bench.
  • [16:00] - Maloney speaks about the difference of playing in Calgary as opposed to other NHL markets.
  • [19:22] - A discussion about the role of President of Hockey Operations in conjunction with general manager Craig Conroy.
  • [23:40] - The Flames get away early in the season for team bonding away from the ice.
  • [25:50] - With a new Arena on the horizon, the possibility of Calgary becoming more of a go-to for future free agents and more in-depth discussion about building the team.
  • [29:40] - Neil raises the point of the challenge Canadian markets face regarding the economics of taking in Canadian dollars while having to pay contracts in Americans funds.
  • [33:15] - Some reminiscing with Maloney about the 1979 season when the Rangers advanced to the Stanley Cup Final.
  • [37:00] - Neil and Don wrap up talking about their time working together and a couple of high-end draft picks who didn't pan out.
  • [41:00] - Vic and Neil talk about the interesting dynamic of the six oldest teams in the NHL.
  • [43:16] - Player notes from the Montgomery/Marchand exchange in Utah to milestones to a couple of personal items.
  • [47:26] - The Human Side of the Story starts by acknowledging the birthday of Garry Monahan. While only a marginal player during his NHL career, Monahan has a significant place in league history.

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Vic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/

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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.