The Flying Octopus

  SUMMARY: The Flying Octopus Podcast hosts Evan Sabourin, Devin Little, and Tony Wolak assess Detroit’s recent games, focusing on the team’s resilience and developing players rather than the ongoing Dylan Larkin trade conversation. They also debate the Red Wings’ new Hometown Remix jerseys and discuss Daniil Tarasov’s strong play, John Gibson’s trade value, and the challenge of managing Detroit and Grand Rapids’ goaltending depth. KEYWORDS: Detroit Red Wings, Flying Octopus Podcast, Daniil Tarasov, John Gibson, William Wallinder, Red Wings jerseys, NHL, Grand Rapids Griffins KEY TOPICS: The hosts pan the Hometown Remix jerseys, calling them underwhelming and comparing them unfavorably with past Red Wings alternate designs. Tony Wolak points to Detroit’s ability to learn from one game to the next: holding a lead against Florida, responding after a poor start in Tampa Bay, and starting stronger against Vegas. The panel praises the team’s effort and commitment to Todd Mclellan’s system, even when facing more talented opponents and playing without key contributors. Devin Little highlights William Wallinder’s growing role alongside Justin Faulk, noting that Wallinder had played nine straight games and was earning the coaching staff’s trust. The hosts single out rookie Michael Brandsegg-Nygård (referred to as MBN) for his physical play, including 75 hits, and discuss his growing confidence as a shooting option. Devin contrasts Daniil Tarasov’s impressive performances with John Gibson’s struggles; Tony argues Detroit should ride Tarasov while he is playing well. The hosts weigh a possible Gibson trade against his current form, the return Detroit might receive, and the effect a call-up could have on Grand Rapids’ goaltending depth. The panel says Detroit’s difficult division and upcoming road games against Colorado, St. Louis, Florida, and Tampa Bay will test whether the team can keep competing.  TAKEAWAYS: “They are competing their asses off every may” “They are one hundred percent bought into Todd McClellan's system” “They show that they belong.” “they're playing winning hockey despite not having a winning roster” “Wallander has played now with the Vegas game behind us nine games in a row.” “He's a hockey player. he does all the things that people like like to watch” “you have to roll with him until he has a poor game.” “He explodes up into the shot as opposed to like just letting it hit him.” “you want to maximize John Gibson.” “I really love watching these kids play.” SOUND BITES: "They look kinda cheap." "They show that they belong." "He explodes up into the shot." Chapters 00:00 The Hometown Remix jerseys draw a rough review 05:03 Why the hosts set aside the Larkin trade saga 07:14 Detroit adjusts after setbacks against St. Louis and Tampa 10:25 Wallinder and the young players making their mark 14:52 Tarasov’s strong play and Gibson’s struggles 16:13 Why Detroit should keep riding Tarasov 19:42 What would make a John Gibson trade worthwhile? 22:41 Balancing Detroit’s needs with Grand Rapids’ goalie depth 27:11 A men’s-league comparison and rink-cam reality check 29:05 The next road test: Colorado, St. Louis, and Florida

Summary:  In episode #103 of The Flying Octopus podcast, Devin and Tony react to the breaking news of Dylan Larkin's suspension handed down by the organization on Thursday, as it appears the former captain has played his last game in a Red Wings uniform. Interim GM Shawn Horcoff's press conference didn't give much of a timeline for a move but Larkin has been wiped clean from everything in the organization. Where does the team and Larkin go from here? How will it impact the future of the Red Wings? Tony and Devin break down possible scenarios in a trade for #71.  The guys also react to Detroit's 4-1 win over the Blackhawks on Thursday night and tell you who stood out on a team that seems to be playing at a higher level to start the 2026 season. All that and more on episode 103 of The Flying Octopus Podcast.   

WELCOME TO EPISODE 102 OF THE FLYING OCTOPUS PODCAST:   WE BREAK DOWN THE RED WINGS WEST COAST TRIP AS THERE’S A LOT HAPPENING WITH THIS TEAM AS THEY GET SET TO PLAY IN CALGARY ON SATURDAY NIGHT…MICHAL POSTAVA GOT THE CALL UP ON THURSDAY AND SAW HIS FIRST BIT OF NHL ACTION IN THE WINGS 5-2 WIN OVER THE CANUCKS THAT NIGHT. OUR GOALIE GURU TONY WILL WEIGH IN ON THAT, AS WELL AS SOME IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCES BY SOME OF THE YOUNGSTERS ON THIS TRIP.   WE’LL ALSO GET INTO DYLAN LARKIN’S NOW UPDATED TEN TEAM TRADE LIST AS REPORTED BY HELENE ST. JAMES - AND TELL YOU WHERE WE THINK THE BEST FIT IS FOR HIM   THE SIMON EDVINSSON SAGA IS STILL PLAYING OUT AND I DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU,  BUT IT’S STARTING TO FEEL LIKE HE MAY NOT WANT TO SIGN WITH DETROIT. COULD A BLOCKBUSTER MOVE BE ON THE WAY AND WHAT COULD THAT POSSIBLY LOOK LIKE?   PLUS A BIG MOVE WENT DOWN THIS MORNING WITH CONNOR HELLEBUYCK. HOW DOES THAT AFFECT DETROIT?    WHERE YOU CAN FIND US  YT: @theflyingoctopod Twitter: @flyingoctopod Itunes, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.    

SUMMARY: In this week's episode of The Flying Octopus Podcast, Tony and Devin recap Detroit's 2-1 victory over the Flyers and identify players and lines that stood out Thursday night. The conversation then turns to Alex Debrincat's new seven-year extension with the Red Wings, it's implications, and what's next for Simon Edvinsson and Dylan Larkin. 

SUMMARY: In episode 100 of The Flying Octopus Podcast, Detroit Hockey Now's Bob Duff breaks down the state of the Red Wings organization. He explains why Chris Illitch has struggled to convey the direction of the team. Why isn't Simon Edvinsson signed and will he eventually be traded? Is there any chance of a reconciliation with Dylan Larkin after his big performance vs. the Senators? The former Windsor Star columnist answers that and much more. He also explains why fan's shouldn't worry about Alex Debrincat resigning with the team. Tune into episode 100 of the The Flying Octopus Podcast for all the latest discussion, news and notes on your Detroit Red Wings.