Episode 35 - Wild Things - With GM and President of Hockey Operations Bill Guerin
Wearing multiple hats, Minnesota Wild GM/President of Hockey Operations Bill Guerin joins Neil and Vic to talk about his team's surprising start, an upcoming improvement regarding the salary cap, the contract of star Kirill Kaprizov and heading up Team USA for the upcoming Four Nations Faceoff in February.
Prior to Guerin's visit, "The Three Things You Need to Pay Attention To" touches on why N.Y. Rangers hot start should not be an indicator of what the playoffs will bring, the Toronto Maple Leafs goaltending and the continued strong play of Winnipeg and Vegas.
Other items of note are a quick look back to the weekend games in Finland between Florida and Dallas, player updates, returns to former homes and injury news which leads to a segment on the New York Islanders quandary of what to do with a decimated roster amidst a challenging first dozen games to the season.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [01:10] - Vic and Neil dive into the shortcomings of the New York Rangers despite their impressive 8-2-1 start.
- [06:07] - After many seasons of questions in net, the possibility of stability in the Toronto goal with Anthony Stolarz appears real.
- [07:55] - The Winnipeg Jets and Vegas Golden Knights continue to throw up impressive records and getting some early separation in the Western Conference.
- [11:00] - Neil and Bill Guerin do a bit of reminiscing from 1994 with Neil as GM of the Rangers and Bill a power forward for the New Jersey Devils.
- [12:50] - Vic begins the discussion with Bill on the early regular season surge by the Wild.
- [16:36] - Neil inquires about what's different in Minnesota despite a roster quite similar to last season.
- [18:15] - Neil and Bill exchange stories about the difficulties of dismissing a head coach.
- [20:30] - After years of working with salary constraints due to contractual buyouts, Bill shares how the changing monetary landscape effective next season will affect the Wild.
- [22:59] - Kirill Kaprizov's attributes are discussed along with the possible challenge of retaining him after his contract expires at the end of the 2025-26 season.
- [25:45] - Team USA's coaching staff and thoughts on how Guerin will be looking to fill out his roster. Within the discussion, a sidebar on the how the development of American players has made the U.S. truly a world hockey power.
- [33:02] - League notes including the completed NHL Global Series in Finland between the Panthers and Stars, personnel moves, homecomings and injuries.
- [48:03] - The challenge for Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello to augment his team amidst a number
- [51:23] - Neil wraps up the show with a more in-depth look at Bill Guerin during the Human Side of the Story.
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/
NHL Wraparound Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/
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