Episode 86

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Published on:

9th Jan 2026

Episode 86 - 2026 Team USA Architect with General Manager Bill Guerin - Jan. 9, 2026

Talk about an abundance of riches. One half of your job is running one of the top teams in the NHL while the other half is assembling the best American players in the world for the upcoming Olympics.

GM of both the Minnesota Wild and U.S. Men’s team headed to Italy, Bill Guerin joins Neil and Vic to talk about both teams.

In Three Things You Need to Pay Attention To, an American Legend reaches a milestone, a future legend puts on a virtuoso performance in Hollywood and what’s more stunning at this point of the season, the Sabres run or the Jets nosedive?

We'll have other items of note and pay tribute to "Mr. Goalie," Glenn Hall before celebrating Neil's birthday.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[02:30] - Three Things You Need to Pay Attention To

[13:39] - Team USA/Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin is welcomed to the show pleased about the selection process being done and the success of the Wild in a city once again in going through unrest.

[16:03] - Guerin shares it's the people around him that is making it possible for him to take on the leadership role of both teams.

[17:30] - Construction of Team USA in relation to playing style needed to succeed.

[19:06] - The calls to those who make the team and those who did not...and the second-guessing from media and fans that comes with those decisions.

[21:00] - Neil draws off on his own experience sharing with Bill that it was easier to sleep at night knowing decisions being made were in the best interests of the team. Bill adds a point about the importance of how people are treated.

[22:37] - As a three-time Olympian, the advice Guerin can share with Team USA about the upcoming experience, something only two of his 25 players have known.

[24:52] - Shifting to the Wild: In 2024-25, the team started hot and struggled to make the post-season. This season, a sluggish start followed by a major about-face which actually started prior to the acquisition of Quinn Hughes.

[28:35] - More on Hughes, who has not committed to staying with the Wild beyond the end of the season.

[30:23] - The NHL-record Kaprizov contract and the reception within the Wild.

[32:05] - Even with a large chunk of the schedule remaining, the Wild appear on a collision course with Dallas for the opening round of the post-season. Where is Guerin looking to upgrade?

[35:14] - Putting a wrap on the Bill Guerin discussion.

[35:59] - A few random items of note.

[47:01] - Personnel notes.

[48:44] - Tribute to Glenn Hall.

[53:15] - Happy Birthday Neil

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.