Episode 66

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Published on:

23rd Jun 2025

Episode 66 - Draft/Free Agency Preview with Pierre LeBrun from The Athletic

While the Florida Panthers players continue to celebrate their second consecutive Stanley Cup, front offices around the NHL have to major events in the crosshairs starting with the Entry Draft on June 27-28 and the start of free agency on Tuesday, July 1.

One of hockey's top columnists and insiders joins Neil and Vic as we welcome Pierre LeBrun from The Athletic and TSN.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[02:45] - Three Things You Need to Pay Attention are the UFA/RFA signings and trades we've seen by clubs retaining players leading up to July 1.

[13:29] - Pierre LeBrun joins the show and, with free agency looming, a discussion on the apparent tampering issues which have taken place in advance of July 1st in past years.

[19:11] - LeBrun speaks to his surprise that the market heading into this off-season is an odd one with buyers significantly outweighting sellers.

[22:56] - Clubs Pierre's looking out for in terms of significant summer movement.

[24:40] - Next coach in Dallas?

[30:20] - The latest on whether the Panthers can keep both Sam Bennett and Brad Marchand.

[33:35] - The dope on Toronto on Mitch Marner and John Tavares.

[39:58] - The timeline on a Connor McDavid extension in Edmonton.

[42:46] - The possibility the Oilers could be vulnerable to losing RFA Evan Bouchard to an offer sheet similar to them losing two players to St. Louis a year ago.

[52:28] - NHL Draft. The Islanders have the first pick and will likely look at one of three players from North America to become the next hope at UBS Arena

[1:01:24] - League news starting with a Monday trade between Anaheim and Philadelphia.

[1:11:26] - Human Side of the Story - Vic and Neil wrap up the show noting the changes in the Draft over the years from location to structure to the pressure of the spotlight from then til now. Neil shares his own firsthand experience being selected by the Islanders in 1974.

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.