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Published on:

8th Mar 2024

TRADE DEADLINE RECAP SHOW | Key Moves, Silent Teams, and Stanley Cup Contenders

TRADE DEADLINE RECAP SHOW | Key Moves, Silent Teams, and Stanley Cup Contenders

In this episode of NHL Wraparound, hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren break down all the major moves from the NHL Trade Deadline and what they mean for playoff races across the league. From bold acquisitions to surprising inaction, the episode delivers a complete picture of how teams are preparing for a run at the Stanley Cup.

The Vegas Golden Knights made the loudest statement at the deadline, landing Tomas Hertl, Anthony Mantha, and Noah Hanifin to boost their chances at a repeat Cup. The Winnipeg Jets picked up Tyler Toffoli and added depth with Colin Miller, while the Colorado Avalanche strengthened their roster with players like Casey Mittelstadt and Sean Walker.

The Edmonton Oilers brought in Adam Henrique, Sam Carrick, and Troy Stecher, while the Carolina Hurricaneslanded one of the biggest names on the market—Jake Guentzel. The Florida Panthers added leadership with Kyle Okposo, and the Boston Bruins added toughness with Pat Maroon. The New York Rangers made several under-the-radar acquisitions to round out their depth.

The Philadelphia Flyers traded away Sean Walker and brought in Erik Johnson. Meanwhile, the St. Louis Blues and New York Islanders were surprisingly quiet. The future of the Pittsburgh Penguins is in question, as the hosts reflect on whether their championship window has closed.

The episode closes with a big-picture look at the teams best positioned to reach the Stanley Cup Final, including Vancouver, Vegas, Tampa Bay, and Carolina—and a preview of upcoming guest Mike Santos.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:15] Vegas Golden Knights go all-in at the deadline

[01:57] Winnipeg adds Tyler Toffoli for scoring punch

[02:54] Colorado's depth moves with Sean Walker and Casey Mittelstadt

[05:15] Carolina Hurricanes make a big splash with Jake Guentzel

[08:12] Florida Panthers add veteran presence in Kyle Okposo

[08:18] New York Rangers’ smart depth acquisitions

[09:24] Philadelphia's activity: out goes Walker, in comes Erik Johnson

[10:30] Quiet deadlines for the Blues and Islanders

[11:24] Reflecting on the Penguins’ fading dynasty

[12:24] Who’s best positioned for a Cup run?

[13:36] The challenge of winning the Stanley Cup

[14:00] Next guest teaser: Mike Santos joins for deep analysis

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Vegas Golden Knights emerge as the most aggressive team, loading up for back-to-back Cups.
  • Carolina, Florida, and Colorado make high-impact moves aimed at playoff dominance.
  • Edmonton and Boston focus on grit and depth.
  • The Penguins, Blues, and Islanders stand pat, raising questions about their long-term vision.
  • Vancouver, Carolina, Tampa Bay, and Vegas are named as the top contenders heading into the final stretch.

RESOURCE LINKS

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/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nhlwraparound

#NHL #Hockey #Podcast #TradeDeadline #StanleyCup #VegasGoldenKnights #CarolinaHurricanes #FloridaPanthers #EdmontonOilers #ColoradoAvalanche #BostonBruins #NewYorkRangers #PittsburghPenguins #VancouverCanucks #Playoffs #NeilSmith #VicMorren #SportsBroadcasting #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.