In Episode 15 of NHL Wraparound, hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren are joined by Bill Daly, Deputy Commissioner of the National Hockey League, for a deep dive into the league’s direction and pressing issues facing the sport.

Daly discusses the Arizona Coyotes' relocation to Utah, providing an inside look at what led to the move, the failed Tempe arena referendum, and the transitional agreement allowing the team’s owner to potentially reactivate the franchise in the future. The conversation sheds light on the behind-the-scenes logistics and long-term implications of franchise shifts for the league, players, and fans.

The discussion moves into the state of video review in the NHL, specifically how it’s applied to controversial calls like goaltender interference. Daly explains the current balance between accuracy and pace of play, and offers perspective on how technology and review systems may evolve.

The episode also explores media rights, streaming, and the league’s growing partnerships with platforms like Amazon, especially in Canada. Daly shares where the NHL sees opportunity to expand its fan base through digital media.

Finally, the show concludes with a thoughtful Human Side of the Story, featuring reflections on Daly’s role in the game and a heartfelt tribute to broadcasting legend Bob Cole—a voice synonymous with the NHL for generations.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:21] One-Timers: Tampa Bay’s outlook & the magic of playoff overtime

[06:24] Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly joins the show

[06:53] The Utah transition: From Arizona Coyotes to a new NHL market

[14:45] NHL expansion possibilities and long-term market growth

[25:25] NHL video review: What works and what needs improvement

[30:31] Evolution of review technology and officiating integrity

[34:31] NHL broadcast innovation: Amazon, streaming, and fan access

[38:40] Coaching carousel: turnover rates and salary cap effects

[41:09] Lindy Ruff’s return to Buffalo: The story behind the decision

[48:07] Human Side of the Story: Bill Daly’s career and core values

[53:08] Remembering Bob Cole and his voice of hockey history

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The NHL’s move from Arizona to Utah reflects the challenges of venue development and the league’s flexibility in transitional planning.
• Video review is evolving, but remains grounded in balancing accuracy with the spirit of live gameplay.
• Broadcast rights and digital platforms like Amazon represent the future of hockey viewership, especially among younger audiences.
• Leadership decisions—from league executives to NHL coaches—are increasingly shaped by salary cap realities and performance urgency.
• Bill Daly offers rare personal insight into the role of Deputy Commissioner and pays tribute to Bob Cole, one of the game’s great storytellers.

LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms.

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/

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TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nhlwraparound

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ABOUT BILL DALY:

William L. “Bill” Daly III is the Deputy Commissioner and Chief Legal Officer of the NHL, serving as the league’s second-in-command under Commissioner Gary Bettman. He has played a pivotal role in labor negotiations, franchise relocations, media rights deals, and international growth strategies. Daly is also a Hockey Hall of Fame board memberand a respected voice in hockey’s executive landscape.

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