NHL Wraparound Podcast

Neil Smith and Vic Morren welcome St. Louis Blues President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Doug Armstrong to the show marking the return of weekly recordings and influential guests in the hockey world. Other topics covered in the show include re-visiting the contract of Edmonton Oilers star Leon Draisaitl, the extension signed in Pittsburgh signed by captain Sidney Crosby, a couple of ke...

The Human Side of the Story discusses the the support of the hockey community in light of the Gaudreau tragedy. Neil provides his own personal perspective.

Neil Smith and Vic Morren discuss the tragic passings of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau in a biking incident prior to Labor Day weekend. The show opens on this solemn note and concludes by noting how the hockey community supports its own in time of tragedy. The body of the show focuses on Neil's most improved teams during the off-season heading into the 2024-25 campaign. While some teams are obvious...

Neil Smith and Vic Morren discuss the Pacific Division, offering a detailed analysis of each team's offseason moves, challenges, and prospects for the upcoming NHL season. From the dominant Edmonton Oilers to the rebuilding San Jose Sharks, they discuss player signings, coaching changes, and the overall landscape of the division.  The episode covers all eight teams in the Pacific Division: Ed...

The Human Side of the story on the recently retired NHL star Joe Pavelski. The episode highlights Pavelski's impressive career, despite being drafted in the seventh round. The hosts reflect on his journey from the USHL to becoming a standout player for the San Jose Sharks and Dallas Stars. They discuss his potential candidacy for the Hockey Hall of Fame, emphasizing his leadership, toughness, and...

Hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren analyze the Central Division's eight teams, covering key offseason moves, signings, and prospects for the upcoming season. They discuss the Dallas Stars' aging roster, the Winnipeg Jets' challenges after significant player departures, and the Colorado Avalanche's defensive uncertainties. The Nashville Predators' bold signings under GM Barry Trotz are highlighted, al...

This Human Side of the Story focuses on the lasting legacy of the Patrick family in the NHL, from Lester Patrick's early contributions to Chris Patrick's current role as GM of the Washington Capitals. Neil and Vic explore how this family's influence has spanned over a century and discuss the potential for future successes under Chris Patrick. The episode ends with a teaser for the next discussion...

Neil Smith and Vic Morren dissect the Metropolitan Division, analyzing team performances, key signings, and future prospects for the New York Rangers, Carolina Hurricanes, New York Islanders, Washington Capitals, Pittsburgh Penguins, Philadelphia Flyers, New Jersey Devils, and Columbus Blue Jackets. Highlights include discussions on team strategies, player trades, and how off-season activities mig...

This episode of the Human Side of the Story pays tribute to recently passed hockey community members, including Ottawa Senators assistant coach Bob Jones, NHL Hall of Famer Borje Salming, and former Calgary Flames assistant GM Chris Snow, all of whom passed away due to ALS. Tune in to stay informed and updated on NHL action, and don’t forget to subscribe. [00:00] Introduction to NHL Wraparound Pod...

In this episode of the NHL Wraparound podcast, hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren bring their extensive NHL expertise to analyze the Atlantic Division. Covering team developments, trades, free agent movements, and key player performances, the focus is on the Florida Panthers, Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Tampa Bay Lightning.  Additionally, they explore the challenges faced by the Detr...

Neil and Vic discuss the importance of a fun and accountable team culture. Neil contrasts his experience with the 1994 New York Rangers with Bill Zito's recent success with the Florida Panthers, highlighting different strategies for team building, including the use of free agency, intelligent trades, and seizing opportunities on waivers. The episode concludes by outlining upcoming analyses on play...

Neil Smith and Vic Morren are joined by Philadelphia Flyers' President of Hockey Operations, Keith Jones, and championship team-building expert, Lee Elias, to discuss team building and culture in the NHL. Jones shares his experiences with the Flyers and emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive team culture. The episode also features insights from Lee Elias, CEO of Hockey Wraparound, on...

They discuss the recent NHL draft, highlighting Macklin Celebrini's first overall selection by the San Jose Sharks. The episode dives into what newly drafted players can expect, including development camps and the transition to adult life and professional hockey. Additionally, there is a spotlight on the Game 7 Group, which helps build cohesive teams. The hosts encourage listeners to stay tuned fo...

Special guest Mike Santos from Team 33 offers insights into the challenges of free agency and the importance of preparing for the draft and free agent negotiations. They provide in-depth analysis of the NHL offseason, discussing notable player movements, team strategies, and free agency developments.  Key topics include Jessica Campbell's historic appointment as the first female assistant coa...

In this episode of the Human Side of the Story, hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren discuss the impressive coaching career of Paul Maurice, who recently led the Florida Panthers to win the Stanley Cup after 26 years of coaching. They provide an in-depth look at Maurice's career, his journey from the OHL to various NHL teams, and the support he received from influential figures like Peter Karmanos and...

Special guest Craig MacTavish is back to join hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren to discuss the Florida Panthers' victory in the 2024 Stanley Cup, highlighting the decisive Game 7th against the Edmonton Oilers. They analyze the Panthers' effective strategies and the Oilers' struggles, noting the Panthers' strong forechecking and puck control.  The human side of the story features Paul Maurice's...

On the Human Side of the Story with hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren they discuss the importance of leadership and team bonding in the NHL, featuring insights from Boston Bruins head coach, Jim Montgomery.  They highlight Montgomery's recovery journey and his remarkable coaching career after overcoming personal struggles with alcohol. The episode also delves into Montgomery's successful colleg...

Neil Smith and Vic Morren discuss the upcoming Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals between the Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers. They are joined by special guest Jim Montgomery, head coach of the Boston Bruins, who shares insights into the Panthers' resilience..  Montgomery also discusses his own team's performance, key players, and the importance of leadership and team culture. Addition...

Neil Smith and Vic Morren present the fifth and final episode of the '1990 Forever' series, commemorating the 1994 New York Rangers' Stanley Cup victory, along with special guest Barry Meisel. Featuring perspectives from  players, team personnel, media, and fans, the episode reflects on the emotional impact and lasting significance of the championship that ended a 54-year championship drought...

Adam Graves, Brian Leetch, and Mark Messier join Hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren, commemorating the 30th anniversary of the New York Rangers' 1994 Stanley Cup Championship. The conversation covers key moments leading to the final, including the expectation playing upstart Vancouver coming off the epic Eastern Conference Final against the New Jersey Devils. Personal anecdotes and reflections highli...

The Human Side of the story discusses the leadership qualities of Stanley Cup captains Connor McDavid and Aleksander Barkov, the impact of injuries on players like Jacob Trouba and Adam Fox, and the dedication of athletes during playoffs. The episode also highlights the NHL's trailblazing efforts in broadcasting games with sign language for the deaf community. Sponsored by the Game 7 group, the po...

Episode 3 in the NY Rangers 30th Anniversary Special series . We hear insights from goaltender Mike Richter and left wing Stéphane Matteau, join hosts Neil and Vic to analyze the 1994 Eastern Conference Final against the New Jersey Devils. They highlight pivotal moments such as Mark Messier's Game Six guarantee and Matteau's double-overtime goal in Game Seven.  This episode revisits the unfor...

In this  Stanley Cup Final preview edition  of  NHL Wraparound , hosts  Neil Smith  and  Vic Morren  are joined by  Eddie Olczyk , Stanley Cup champion and NHL on TNT analyst, to break down the highly anticipated series between the  Florida Panthers  and  Edmonton Oilers . The trio dives into the  tactics, momentum, and storylines  s...

In Episode 2 of the  NHL Wraparound  Special Series,  Neil Smith , President and GM of the 1994 Stanley Cup Champion  New York Rangers , and veteran broadcaster  Vic Morren  welcome two essential members of that historic team:  Hall of Fame defenseman Kevin Lowe  and  elite two-way forward Steve Larmer . Together, they reflect on the Rangers’ quick marc...

In this  Human Side of the Story  segment from  NHL Wraparound , hosts  Neil Smith  and  Vic Morren  reflect on the extraordinary career of  Rick Bowness , a respected NHL coach and former player whose influence has spanned nearly four decades. From being drafted in 1975 to stepping behind the bench for multiple NHL teams,  Bowness’s journey is one of r...