Free Agency vs. Prospects: Red Wings Roster Options and Ruck Twins - May 18th, 2026

This offseason Detroit Red Wings podcast tackles the biggest puzzle Steve Yzerman has: Red Wings free agency targets, internal options, and bottom-six fixes. Hockeytown news and analysis covers a "Moneyball" approach to the lineup, two intriguing draft prospects, and where things stand with the Grand Rapids Griffins. (00:00) Intro  (04:15) Red Wings Offseason Strategy If the big swing doesn't land in a trade for someone like Robert Thomas or Jason Robertson, what's the play? Confidently projecting Nate Danielson, Carter Mazer, and MBN into bottom-six roles, why nobody should feel comfortable walking into camp, and the case for moving on from J.T. Compher or Michael Rasmussen if any team is desperate enough. (20:20) Free Agent Targets and Term Why Bobby McMann, Mason Marchment, Viktor Arvidsson, and even Anthony Mantha could be on the radar, plus the importance of paying dollars instead of years on aging UFAs. (32:10) Prospect Profiles: Ruck Twins Liam and Markus Ruck led the WHL in scoring as a duo in Medicine Hat. Could Detroit get cute and try to land both? (45:05) NHL & Stanley Cup Playoffs News Vegas advances (and loses a second-round pick for their trouble), Mitch Marner finally shows up, and Colorado looks terrifying heading into the Western Conference Finals. (52:55) Griffins Down 2-0 Michael Postava, Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, and a Chicago series that suddenly feels desperate after a blown lead in Game 2. (57:05) Overtime Mailbag Bill Guerin chasing Dylan Larkin rumors, Simon Edvinsson's next contract value, and a defenseman log jam that maybe isn't a log jam. --- This episode is brought to you by Hims. Visit hims.com/wingedwheel for your personalized hair loss treatment options. Support the show: Patreon.com/WingedWheelPodcast Head over to wingedwheelpodcast.com to find all the ways to listen, how to support the show, and so much more!