Episode 45

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Published on:

27th Jan 2025

Episode 45 - Storm Chasing - With Hurricanes TV Analyst Tripp Tracy

A significant three-way trade between Carolina, Colorado and Chicago brings long-time Hurricanes TV analyst Tripp Tracy to the show. Afterwards, we take a business look at the trade through the eyes of a former GM.

With this show wrapping up our first year of wraparound, what better way to conclude than to acknowledge a couple of birthdays, including one with a special hook.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:00] - "Three Things You Need to Pay Attention To" sets up the show with the details on the three-way Carolina, Colorado, Chicago trade. That leads into unfound speculation on a second deal involving a long-time superstar before the segment wraps with a journeyman defenseman landing with the New York Islanders.

[08:20] - Carolina Hurricanes TV analyst Tripp Tracy joins the show and shares how news began to break on the major deal which had Mikko Rantanen and Taylor Hall heading to the 'Canes.

[16:32] - Tracy does a deeper dive into what Carolina gets with these players in the current and the need for GM Eric Tulsky to re-sign UFA Rantanen long term.

[21:49] - While gaining Rantanen and Hall, the Hurricanes parted with Martin Necas and Jack Drury. Tracy shares the qualities of the players the team is losing.

[29:25] - The Hurricanes post-season goaltending has come under close scrutiny in recent years. Tracy tells us why this spring may be different.

[41:00] - The business side of the trade is discussed from the perspective of the three teams.

[49:30] - Discussion on whether Brad Marchand should have been suspended for his latest indiscretion and a case for an award for the best defensive defenseman.

[52:45] - The Frank Selke Trophy has been awarded to the top defensive forward in the NHL since 1977-78. Is it time to create an award for the top defensive defenseman?

[56:20] - Player Notes

[1:01:20] - The Human Side of the Story acknowledges the 100th birthday of the only player to suit up for all of the "Original Six" teams, Vic Lynn.

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.