Episode 58

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Published on:

28th Apr 2025

Episode 58 - From Blue to Blueshirt to Blue Jacket with CBJ Senior Advisor John Davidson

Longtime NHL executive and Columbus Blue Jackets senior advisor John Davidson joins Neil and Vic to share thoughts on a stirring opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs and the three organizations which have been part of his hockey career for over 50 years.

We'll look at all of the series and wrap up the show with "The Human Side of the Story." 34 months after his last game in the 2022 Stanley Cup Final, Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog has made the case for the Masterton Trophy with his dedication and perseverance following multiple procedures to repair a damaged knee.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:36] - In "Three Things You Need to Pay To," the theatre of the opening round is discussed as it the escape from league discipline by Matthew Tkachuk and the stunningly weak showing in net by Vezina Trophy favorite, Connor Hellebuyck.

[08:55] - Columbus Blue Jackets senior advisor John Davidson joins Neil and Vic. After some reminiscing about Panthers Head Coach Paul Maurice, JD talks about one of his former teams, the Blues, making life miserable for the Presidents Trophy winners.

[16:14] - John speaks to the Blue Jackets near playoff miss but that there's a lot plenty of reason optimism.

[22:10] - Both JD and Neil have had been presidents of the N.Y. Rangers exchange thoughts on what happened at MSG this season...and what might happen next.

[29:49] - John speaks fondly of his good friend and former broadcast partner, Sam Rosen.

[37:40] - JD shares what has compelled him through the opening round of the playoffs thus far.

[40:05] - The lineage of top end goaltending in New York which has been prevalent for the better part of half a century. Plus, JD touches on Hellebuyck's struggles.

[45:23] - Some final thoughts on the opening round.

[50:27] - Biggest takeaways from the four games on Sunday.

[1:09:26] - A look at Monday's games.

[1:13:14] - The Human Side of the Story takes a closer look at the long road back for Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog.

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.