NHL Wraparound launched its first guest episode on Jan. 30, 2024 with Wayne Gretzky joining Neil and Vic.
Less than 2.5 years and multiple franchises later, the 100th episode of the flagship show goes right to the top again for an insightful discussion with the man serving the longest as head of any of the North American pro sports, commissioner Gary Bettman.
The 35-minute interview hits on numerous topics from his growing up in New York to the experience of presenting the Stanley Cup and plenty in between.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[01:49] - NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman joins Neil and Vic and shares his early years growing up as a fan in New York, which became further enhanced when going to college at Cornell. Also a little fun about an old Bettman family business.
[08:04] - Bettman shares what he took from his NBA experience with commissioner David Stern into the position he's held with the NHL since 1993.
[10:53] - Expansion. The NHL has grown from 24 to 32 teams under Bettman's leadership. Is there a true right number of teams to aspire to grow to given the difficulty of winning the Stanley Cup?
[14:01] - Player safety. The standard NHL rink has been 200' x 85' since 1929 while the average player size has moved grown by over four inches and nearly 30 pounds. Given the speed of today's game, is there reason for concern?
[16:33] - Load management and the debate of whether playoff solidified teams should be permitted to sit players in games against teams still fighting for playoff spots.
[19:21] - The current relationship with current NHLPA head Marty Walsh. Having gone through three lockouts - including losing the entire 2004-05 season working with Walsh's predecessors, there is labor peace in the NHL through at least September of 2030.
[21:33] - The obligation to the media, which has gotten some unwanted publicity following the Golden Knights penalties for violating media rules following their second round clinching game against Anaheim.
[25:15] - The now de-centralized NHL Draft and the story of why it's currently the format in place.
[27:50] - Legacy secured, the top items of importance for the commissioner for as long as he remains in the position.
[29:48] - Bettman will present his 32nd Stanley Cup in June. A couple of things you may not have known and a heartfelt revelation of just how special those moments are to the commissioner. Then Neil brings the discussion full circle to wrap up.
[37:31] - Wrap up segment.
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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