NHL Wraparound Podcast
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.
- Update frequency
- every day
- Average duration
- 35 minutes
- Episodes
- 263
- Years Active
- 2024 - 2025
NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - USA Punches Their Ticket to the Final - February 16, 2025
Team USA's prime time win over Canada Saturday has secured the first spot in the Final at the Four Nations Faceoff while the Canadians are now in survival mode as they prepare for Monday's round-robi…
NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - The Four Nations Faceoff is Underway - Feb. 14, 2025
The first two games are in the books in the Four Nations Faceoff with Sidney Crosby adding to his own international legacy while Team USA routs Finland. Conversely, one player has already been knoc…
Human Side of the Story - Ep. 47 - The Albert Broadcasting Legacy
Since the early 1960's, the Albert name has been synonymous with play-by-play. From Marv to his brothers Steve and Al to son Kenny, NHL, NBA, NFL and MLB games have been called by one of these four …
Episode 47 - A Man For All Seasons With Kenny Albert
One of sports most recognizable voices joins NHL Wraparound as Kenny Albert drops in to give his thoughts on the NHL season, broadcasting and the New York-area teams.
Vic and Neil then offer up though…
NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - An Anniversary Season to Remember and Newcomers Making an Impact - Feb. 7, 2025
The 50th anniversary season for the Washington Capitals has been nothing short of remarkable as their stellar record has been further highlighted by Alex Ovechkin's pursuit of setting the goal-scorin…
Human Side of the Story - Episode 46 - Handling Strife Within a Team
In a team setting, having each member focused on the same goal is imperative. Similar to the every day workplace, not every individual is going to like or get along with the person next to them.
How…
NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - Wings Rolling Sevens, Hartman Suspended and Talking Toughness - Feb. 5, 2025
It took just 20 games for Todd McLellan's Red Wings to notch a pair of seven-game winning streaks. While they fly, WIld forward Ryan Hartman sits for ten with his fifth career suspension.
In addition…
NY Centric - News, Views and Question Marks with Arthur Staple - Feb. 4, 2025
When it comes to insight on the three New York City area teams, few can deliver insight and opinion on the Rangers, Islanders and Devils like Arthur Staple from The Athletic.
From the JT Miller acquis…
Episode 46 - Let's Make a Deal - With NHL on TNT Analyst Brian Boucher
A loaded show as we're joined by NHL on TNT/NBC Sports Philadelphia analyst Brian Boucher to dissect a quarter of deals. We also do a deeper dive into the salary cap bump, which will be heading nort…
NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - Flames, Flyers & Fleury - Jan. 31, 2025
For the second time in as many weeks, a significant trade in the NHL.
A memorable final game in Montreal for Marc-Andre Fleury.
All you need to know about the Wild Card races and the new name for the…
Human Side of the Story - Episode 45 - The Only Player to Wear All Original Six Sweaters
The most notable Jan. 26 birthday in the NHL belongs to Wayne Gretzky. However, there's another player who was born on that date 100 years ago who owns a distinction no other player in league histor…
NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - This Is Why It's Called the "Mosh Pit of Mediocrity" - Jan. 29, 2025
Does anybody really want to claim the East Wild Card spots? By the look of things on Tuesday, four teams certainly did little to help themselves.
Also, are you tired of all of the drama surrounding t…
NY Centric with Devils Radio Analyst Chico Resch - Jan. 28, 2025
Devils radio analyst Glenn "Chico" Resch drops by NY Centric to chat about the Devils, Islanders and Rangers...and a whole lot more.
This discussion features an array of off-the-cuff stories and is a …
Episode 45 - Storm Chasing - With Hurricanes TV Analyst Tripp Tracy
A significant three-way trade between Carolina, Colorado and Chicago brings long-time Hurricanes TV analyst Tripp Tracy to the show. Afterwards, we take a business look at the trade through the eyes…
NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - Major Injury News in New Jersey and OV Gets Closer - Jan. 24, 2025
The New Jersey Devils receive a timeline on goaltender Jacob Markstrom, the Edmonton Oilers get revenge on the Vancouver Canucks, Alex Ovechkin is now 20 goals from becoming King of the Hill and Aust…
Human Side of the Story - Ep. 44 - Willie O'Ree
On January 18, 1958, Willie O'Ree broke the color barrier playing his first game for the Boston Bruins against the Montreal Canadiens. The youngest of nine children, O'Ree's journey to the NHL is on…
NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - The Big Cheese of the NHL - Jan. 22, 2025
The Connor McDavid suspension comes down, nachos make an appearance in the middle of a play and the Eastern Conference bubble continues to get more muddled by the day. Also, Vic and Neil tip their h…
NY Centric - Rangers and Islanders Still Hopeful While Devils Offense Sputters - January 21, 2025
Vic and Neil paint a realistic picture on whether the Islanders can get back into the East Wild Card Race. The Rangers take an eight-game point streak into the week while Devils offense continues to …
Episode 44 - It's Miller Time! with Gord Miller from TSN
There's a buzz in Canada and for good reason: All seven clubs north of the border are in contention for the post-season and long-time voice for TSN, Gord Miller, joins Neil and Vic to get the pulse …
NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - Hot Oil - Jan. 17, 2025
The Stanley Cup runner up from a season ago showing they are serious about getting another shot at the silver mug. Alex Ovechkin sets a new record and a unique occurrence in Buffalo Wednesday. All …