Episode 49

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Published on:

24th Feb 2025

Episode 49 - Columbus: Sailing to the Playoffs? With General Manager Don Waddell

No team in the NHL has captured more hearts this season than the Columbus Blue Jackets. The team has rallied around tragedy and are right in the mix for an Eastern Conference wild card berth. Team president and general manager Don Waddell joins Neil and Vic to talk about his team and the upcoming Stadium Series game with Detroit.

When Mikko Rantanen was acquired by the Carolina Hurricanes in late January, it was believe the 'Canes had finally secured the blue chip goal scorer their team had been missing. Now, after needing more time to think about a contract extension, is Rantanen about to be flipped again before the trade deadline?

Plenty of other news items and player notes in this episode as the kick towards the playoffs is fully underway.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:58] - In "Three Things You Need To Pay Attention To", the only team not to have a player originally selected for the Four Nations Faceoff bursts from the gate while some powerhouses struggle. And have you seen the ratings for the championship game of the tournament?

[07:12] - Don Waddell drops by to talk about the remarkable season his team is authorning while still healing from the passing of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau last summer.

[11:17] - Waddell discusses the how the club handled the tragedy, balancing the grieving process with preparing for a new season.

[14:38] - Zach Werenski's emergence as one of the top defenseman in the NHL this season.

[16:38] - With the trade deadline approaching, Waddell remains cautious as to how the Blue Jackets need to approach adding and moving assets.

[19:53] - The opportunity for the Blue Jackets to be on the big stage as they look forward to the Stadium Series Game at "The Shoe" with Detroit.

[22:49] - Having spent 10 years in Carolina, Waddell gives a quick take on the Hurricanes-Avalanche trade involving Mikko Rantanen, Martin Necas and Jack Drury.

[28:39] - Vic and Neil elaborate further on Rantanen and whether he will sign an extension or force the Hurricanes hand into a trade.

[31:17] - Two shoulder-to-head hits Sunday had very different responses from the on-ice officials.

[34:51] - The NHL has announced a de-centralized draft for late June in Los Angeles. Neil shares what he'd miss most about the in-person gathering of years past.

[40:05] - Player notes features significant injuries coming out of the Four Nations Faceoff.

[47:20] - Amidst the ferocity and intensity of NHL games, there is also a deep-rooted piece of sensitivity and compassion. Three recent examples show, whether big or small, hockey knows how to do the right thing.

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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.