Episode 42

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Published on:

6th Jan 2025

Episode 42 - NHL Wraparound & Debuting NY Centric

A combination episode to kick off NHL Wraparound in 2025 as NY Centric is introduced within the show. Tom Gulitti joins Neil and Vic to talk the surprising Washington Capitals, a history lesson on defunct NHL franchise and a special NHL debut on the Human Side of the Story.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:05] - Three Things You Need to Pay Attention to addresses whispers out of Vancouver that both J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson made be on the trade market while three franchises with struggles in recent seasons are showing an uptick as we near the midway point.

[08:56] - Tom Gulitti joins the show and speaks about the additions in Washington who have meshed beautifully Spencer Carbery,

[16:04] - Gulitti speaks to the adjustments Alex Ovechkin had to make with a rookie head coach last season amidst his chase for the all-time goalscoring record.

[18:07] - The next steps needed by the Caps to go from being just a feel-good to legitimate Stanley Cup Contender.

[20:42] - Arthur Staple from the Athletic helps launch NY Centric addressing whether the Rangers slight improvement is fact or fiction.

[23:07] - Staple lays it where the struggles lay both up front and on the backline.

[31:14] - A shift to the Islanders where the special teams and late game struggles remain and an overall assessment of the personnel GM Lou Lamoriello sticks with.

[38:56] - The Devils have hit a bump in the road during their six-game road trip. Despite being a top team, there is still system acclimation taking place under head coach Sheldon Keefe.

[46:00] - Any guess as to which was the first New York-based team in the NHL? A little history on defunct NHL teams whose cities still have a presence in the league.

[50:42] - Player and injury notes.

[59:40] - The United States wins consecutive gold medals at the World Junior Championships. Is the USA now the number one world hockey power?

[1:04:30] - The Human Side of the Story shares the story of Ozzy Wiesblatt, who, along with four siblings, was raised by a deaf mother. Through her support, and that of others, Ozzy was able to play hockey at an early age and made his debut with the Nashville Predators on Jan. 3 in Vancouver.

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.