In this week’s episode of The Flying Octopus Podcast, the fellas kick things off by sharing what they’ve seen in Detroit’s most recent preseason games, including top performers, coaching strategy, and more. The guys then transition to what Detroit’s lineup could look like opening night vs. Montreal and discuss the roster battles still at hand. How many prospects will force their way onto the team this year? And finally, the group offers their bold predictions for the 2025-26 season and sound off on a few rapid-fire questions about this year’s Red Wings team.
In this week’s episode of The Flying Octopus Podcast, the fellas kick things off by analyzing Detroit’s first two preseason games: Tuesday’s 3-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks and Thursday’s 5-2 win versus the Buffalo Sabres. The Red Wings dominated both contests and received stellar performances from their top prospects plus several NHL regulars. The guys then transition to what they’re looking for in the remaining six preseason games, plus predictions for how performances and roster decisions will play out over the next two weeks.
Episode 52 sees Evan and Devin team up with the boys from @HockeytownWPod. The guys talk training camp with boots on the ground from Nick Harrington and Brandon Cooke. We weigh in on the Emmitt Finnie hype train and talk about what Axel Sandin - Pellikka has to do to make the roster. Plus is Nate Danielson ready for the show? Then the guys shift gears as Travis Focht joined, Devin, Nick and Brandon in Grand Rapids for the Red & White game over the weekend. The guys gauge the temperature on a wild weekend at Van Andel Arena. Who stood out and who needs to be looking over their shoulder? We cover that and more on episode 52 of The Flying Octopus Podcast.
On episode 51, the guys chat it up with the legendary voice of Red Wings hockey. Ken Kal joins the show as he gets set to to call his 30th season of Red Wings hockey. Ken talks expectations, new faces, and reacts to the Sergei Fedorov jersey retirement news. He also tells us what the Red Wings need to do to end the nine year playoff drought that has plagued Hockeytown. Join us on Episode 51 of The Flying Octopus Podcast.
On Episode 50 of The Flying Octopus Podcast: We had a lot of fun with this one and even talked a little Led Zeppelin. The guys spent some time with former NHL goaltender Brent Johnson. The Farmington Hills native spent 12 seasons stopping pucks for the Blues, Coyotes, Capitals and Penguins retiring in 2012. He now works as an on air analyst for Monumental Sports Network. Brent discusses his former teammates from Patrick Roy to Sergei Fedorov to Alex Ovechkin. He also talks about growing up in Southeast Michigan and learning from one of the greatest Red Wings of all time who also just happened to be his grandfather. Brent weighs in on what the Red Wings are getting in new goaltender, John Gibson. How much of an impact can he have heading into the 25-26 season? We'll discuss that and much more on episode 50 of The Flying Octopus Podcast.
In this week’s episode of The Flying Octopus Podcast, the fellas welcome The Russian Five author and accomplished sportswriter Keith Gave to the show. The discussion covers a wide array of topics, from Keith’s time in the NSA and start in journalism, to Sergei Fedorov’s legacy and Detroit’s current rebuild. Check it out!
In this week’s episode of The Flying Octopus Podcast, the fellas kick things off with Olympic hockey talk. Dylan Larkin is a lock to make Team USA; what about Alex DeBrincat, Patrick Kane, and John Gibson? Will Simon Edvinsson join Lucas Raymond on Team Sweden? And will Moritz Seider ever get off the ice for Germany? The guys touch on the recent rumors involving the Edmonton Oilers showing interest in Detroit’s top goalie prospects, Trey Augustine and Sebastian Cossa. Does it make sense for the Red Wings to pursue a trade or are they better off holding onto the two netminders? The show wraps up with notes on Pavel Datsyuk’s recent interview, Kyle Connor speculation, and a couple new segments – the random Red Wing of the week and a few positive things from the world of hockey.
In this week’s episode of The Flying Octopus Podcast, the fellas break out their crystal ball and look to the future. Specifically, when is Detroit’s next contention window? The guys discuss which players will make up that team and when you can expect the Red Wings to make a serious push for another Stanley Cup. Then, the conversation turns to a rumor floating around that Detroit has interest in Anaheim Ducks forward Mason McTavish. Is he the right fit? And at what cost? The article about Detroit’s contention window can be found here: https://thehockeywriters.com/red-wings-rebuild-next-contention-window/
In this week’s episode of The Flying Octopus Podcast, it’s all prospect talk. Tony and Evan critique Devin’s Top 25 rankings and see where Detroit’s prospects fit in with Tony’s five-tier system. Among the prospects discussed are Dmitri Buchelnikov, Amadeus Lombardi, Carter Mazur, William Wallinder, plus recent first-round picks like Carter Bear, Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, and Sebastian Cossa. The guys then wrap up with news and notes, which includes a few birthdays. You can find Devin’s Top 25 Red Wings prospects here: https://thehockeywriters.com/red-wings-top-25-prospects-post-2025-nhl-draft/
In this week’s episode of The Flying Octopus Podcast, the fellas bring on Doug Stolhand of the Puck Podcast to discuss John Gibson and what Red Wings fans can expect from their new goaltender. The long-time Anaheim Ducks analyst shares his perspective on what Gibson brings to the table. After sharing their own thoughts on Gibson, the guys transition to expectations for the rest of the offseason. Will the Red Wings make another move or are they done for the summer? Plus, news and notes, Carter Bear signs his entry-level contract, and Detroit’s 10/10 schedule release video.
In this week’s episode of The Flying Octopus Podcast, the fellas take a look at the current roster construction of the Red Wings and discuss whether or not the team is better than the 2024-25 group. The conversation touches on additions and subtractions, plus player growth and regression. Then, the guys turn to the Erik Karlsson rumors that have been spreading like wildfire. Is he a fit in Detroit? If so, how much would it cost to acquire the future Hall-of-Famer. Join us for another jam-packed episode of The Flying Octopus Podcast.
In this week’s episode of The Flying Octopus Podcast, the fellas recap the chaos of the last few days, including the 2025 NHL Draft, Detroit’s trade for goaltender John Gibson, several Red Wings re-signings, plus everything that happened (and didn’t happen) on Day 1 of free agency.
In this week’s episode of The Flying Octopus Podcast, the guys run through a seven-round mock draft for the Red Wings, including a surprise first-round pick. In addition, the fellas share their last draft prospect profile of the offseason: Radim Mrtka. The 6-foot-6 right defenseman is arguably the top blueliner in their year’s class behind Matthew Schaefer. The episode also touches on Detroit’s centennial branding, Antti Tuomisto re-signing, the JJ Peterka trade, the next CBA, and much more. Finally, the Red Wings draft board mentioned in this week’s episode can be found here: https://thehockeywriters.com/red-wings-draft-guide-2025/
The guys welcome in Shane Malloy from SiriusXM NHL Network Radio and break down the logistics for the 2025 NHL Draft. Who will the Red Wings take with the 13th overall pick? The podcast host and author tells us Detroit fans shouldn't worry about the future while breaking down the team's defensive core. We also discuss the competitive advantage that the Red Wings may have in today's NHL. Will general manager Steve Yzerman draft for need or go best player available come this Friday at the draft in Los Angeles? Shane answers that and more on Episode 41 of The Flying Octopus Podcast.
In this week’s episode of The Flying Octopus Podcast, the guys project launch full speed into mock offseason mode. Tony and Devin make their predictions for Detroit’s trades, buyouts, and signings. Adding scoring throughout the lineup, solidifying the defense, and making the team tougher to play against were the common themes. The fellas then shift gears to Roger McQueen for this week’s draft prospect profile. The Brandon Wheat Kings center entered the year as a likely top-5 pick, but suffered a back injury and watched his draft stock plummet. Could he be a fit in Detroit?
In this week’s episode of The Flying Octopus Podcast, the guys project new contracts for Detroit’s RFAs: Jonatan Berggren, Albert Johansson, and Elmer Soderblom. Plus, identifying what a new deal for Patrick Kane could look like. The fellas then pivot to Cole Reschny and his draft profile. The 5-foot-11 center posted 92 points in 62 games for the Victoria Royals of the WHL. Finally, the show wraps up with news and notes, including Detroit signing goalie Michal Postava, a new home for Dmitri Buchelnikov, and trade rumors involving Vladimir Tarasenko and Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Nic Hague.
In this week’s episode of The Flying Octopus Podcast, the guys recap the hockey hot stove now that we’ve reached the Stanley Cup Final, including Jason Robertson reportedly being on the trade block and what it would take to acquire him. Plus, additional trade targets and the impacts they could have in Detroit. The fellas then pivot to Victor Eklund and his draft profile. The Swedish winger could be available when the Red Wings pick at No. 13 this year. Finally, the show wraps up with news and notes about Dmitri Buchelnikov, Jesse Kiiskinen, and Jay Varady.
Description: In this weeks episode the Hockeytown West Podcast joins The Flying Octopus and previews the Kelly Cup finals as the Toledo Walleye get set for Game 1 on Saturday. We also take a look back at the Grand Rapids Griffins' 2024-25 season and discuss what players took the next step in their development while predicting who makes a run at a roster spot in Detroit next season. All that and more on Episode 37 of The Flying Octopus Podcast.
In this week’s episode of The Flying Octopus Podcast, the guys dive into the summer of Mitch Marner. Do the Red Wings have enough cap space to host their own Mitch-a-Palooza? Should they even pursue Marner? The fellas discuss the pros and cons there. Next, the guys offer up two bold moves that the Red Wings should make this offseason. Offense firepower, defensive stalwarts - you name it. And finally, the episode wraps up with an overview of 2025 draft eligible forward Justin Carbonneau of the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada. Could the QMJHL product be a fit for the Red Wings?
In this week’s episode of The Flying Octopus Podcast, the fellas dive into Detroit’s goaltending as the final installment of a four-part team review series. Cam Talbot, Alex Lyon, and Petr Mrazek combined to form a better goaltending core than what we’ve seen in years passed, but still left a bit to be desired. Now, Talbot and Mrazek look to hold down Detroit’s crease in 2025-26. The guys then pivot to Kashawn Aitcheson for this week’s draft prospect profile. The Barrie Colts blueliner racked up 26 goals this season and plays a physical game. Might he be Detroit’s pick at 13? And finally, the show wraps up with some news, including a post-mortem on the Grand Rapids Griffins, World Championships updates, and Ken Holland being named the general manager of the Los Angeles Kings, plus what that might mean for the Red Wings. Link for the article mentioned in the last segment: https://thehockeywriters.com/red-wings-kings-future-trade-partners/