Episode 40

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Published on:

16th Dec 2024

Episode 40 - Avalanche of Change with General Manager Chris MacFarland

Colorado Avalanche general manager Chris MacFarland joins Neil and Vic to discuss flipping his goaltending tandem, the challenge of an often disrupted lineup and the promise of the Avs through adversity. Also, after missing out on MacKenzie Blackwood, the Carolina Hurricanes have made it known they are in the market for a netminder and a closer look at the trade which sent long-time Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler to St. Louis.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:07] - You need to pay attention to more drama in the Big Apple, Carolina goaltending and the first matchup of the season between last season's Stanley Cup Finalists.

[07:25] - Avalanche GM Chris MacFarland joins the show with insight on why he had to flip both of his opening night netminders within two months of the start of the season.

[13:35] - MacFarland brings us inside the saga surrounding Val Nichushkin, the support of the Avs organization and the importance of re-earning the trust of his teammates.

[20:00] - An update on Captain Gabe Landeskog, who hasn't played since raising the Stanley Cup in 2002, as well keys to what make Nathan MacKinnon and Cal Makar truly unique players.

[27:28] - Looking ahead to the spring and what MacFarland still needs to evaluate as his molds his club for the playoffs.

[35:50] - The Ottawa Senators look to prove they are for real coming off a successful weekend in advance of a nine-game road trip.

[38:10] - A deeper dive into the Cam Fowler trade to St. Louis.

[41:01] - Other player and league notes.

[45:56] - The Human Side of the Story focuses on the player who scored the first goal in NHL history, 107 years ago this week.

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/

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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.