Neil Smith — Building Champions, Living in the Moment

On this exciting episode of Celebrity Interviews Live from The Grotto, host Greg Hanna sits down with Neil Smith, legendary NHL General Manager, Stanley Cup Champion, and the architect behind the New York Rangers’ iconic 1994 championship team. From blockbuster trades and drafting future legends, to leading one of hockey’s most storied franchises during its most intense era, Neil reflects on his career, his philosophy on leadership, and what it really means to stay present in life. [00:00] – Neil Smith joins Greg Hanna to talk about his career, life after hockey, and why the name “Neil” always brings greatness! [00:01:00] – Neil talks about the infamous Penguins-Rangers playoff clash and how it crushed the Rangers’ shot at a second Stanley Cup run during the early ‘90s. [00:02:00] – The proudest trade of Neil's career: bringing Adam Graves to the Rangers, watching him become an icon, and the lifelong relationship that followed. [00:03:00] – Why Neil Smith became one of the most recognized general managers in hockey and how building a winner in New York elevated his national profile. [00:04:00] – Neil shares his dream lineup of all-time hockey greats, including Mario Lemieux, Wayne Gretzky, Bobby Orr, and others that shaped the golden era of the game. [00:05:00] – The pressure of being a GM in New York City, especially as a Canadian. Neil reveals how he faced fear and uncertainty head-on when he first took the job. [00:07:00] – The evolution of New York in the early '90s, the Dinkins-to-Giuliani transition, and how the city’s grit mirrored the spirit of his team. [00:08:30] – What Neil misses most and least about being a GM: leading people and watching them grow — and not missing owners who thought they knew better. [00:10:00] – The emotional rewards of helping staff and players build meaningful lives beyond the ice — and the lifelong friendships that resulted. [00:11:00] – Neil shares his realization seeing today’s NHL players who were born after 9/11, and what it’s like watching kids become pros in a league he once led. [00:12:30] – Favorite rivalry? Neil shares memories of facing off against Wayne Gretzky’s Kings in L.A., and the star-studded magic that came with it. [00:14:00] – Why the Rangers have the most fans in the world, according to Neil — and how a legendary coach from Toronto was surprised to learn it. [00:16:00] – What makes Madison Square Garden the Mecca of sports and why performing there remains unforgettable for athletes, entertainers, and fans alike. [00:18:00] – A hilarious locker room prank story in Pittsburgh involving hotel room chaos, Vaseline in the phone, and a trash can in the pillowcase. Pure gold. [00:20:00] – Neil’s most important life lesson: stay in the moment. A deeply personal and powerful message on presence, mortality, and mental clarity. Neil Smith is a former NHL general manager, best known for building the 1994 New York Rangers — the team that ended a 54-year championship drought by winning the Stanley Cup. He’s also a broadcaster, podcaster, and hockey historian, and currently hosts the NHL Wraparound Podcast, bringing insight, analysis, and great guests to hockey fans worldwide. 🔗 Listen to his podcast: 🎙️ NHL Wraparound 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, YouTube, Amazon Music, and all major platforms. 🏒 What You’ll Discover in This Episode:🎧 About Neil Smith: