The Flying Octopus

Summary: In this episode, Evan, Tony, and Devin discuss the shocking news of Steve Yzerman stepping down as GM of the Detroit Red Wings, the team's future direction, and the implications for the franchise. They also touch on Patrick Kane's potential destinations and the broader NHL management trends. Key Topics: Steve Yzerman's tenure and departure Red Wings' team rebuild and management strategy The NHL GM hiring process and analytics influence Patrick Kane's free agency and potential teams Impacts of management changes on team performance Sound Bites: "Yzerman's tenure can be viewed differently now" "The Red Wings are in a pivotal moment" "This is the most hectic Red Wings summer in years" Chapters 00:00 Intro and Wake-up Call 08:11:48 Reactions to Yzerman stepping down    Guest links Twitter - https://twitter.com/HockeywithDevin  

Summary: In this episode, Tony Wolak and Devin Little delve into the recent NHL salary cap shifts, the record-breaking Leo Carlsson contract, and the ongoing Dylan Larkin trade saga. They explore how these developments are reshaping team strategies, player valuations, and the league's financial landscape. Keywords: NHL salary cap, Leo Carlsson contract, Dylan Larkin trade, NHL free agency, hockey contracts, NHL salary trends, Red Wings, NHL negotiations Key Topics: NHL salary cap increase and its impact Leo Carlsson's $18 million contract and its significance The Dylan Larkin trade saga and trade restrictions Future contract trends and free agency strategies Team building in the context of rising salaries   Sound Bites: "Content dictates the format, don't force structure." "Leo Carlsson's contract shifts the NHL market." "You can't do that to Larkin out of respect." Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and episode overview 02:23 Leo Carlsson's record-breaking contract and its implications 04:23 The significance of the $18 million deal for Carlsson 06:28 Impact of Carlsson's contract on future negotiations 09:08 The future of Alex DeBrincat and team building 11:28 Historical context of NHL salaries and cap growth 14:22 Red Wings' player contracts and market value 16:43 The value of Larkin's contract and trade market 19:36 Trade restrictions and potential trade scenarios 22:36 The emotional and strategic impact of the Larkin saga 24:51 Potential trade structures and third-team involvement 27:10 The complexity of trade negotiations and team interests 28:30 Training camp scenarios and leadership considerations 29:02 Respect and team dynamics regarding Larkin's captaincy 30:06 Humorous take on hockey drama as reality TV 30:48 Potential media and entertainment angles on the saga 31:00 Uncertainty around Patrick Kane and team roster moves 32:12 Team building and offseason strategy post-Larkin 33:06 Expected additional signings and team depth 34:00 Summary and closing thoughts on NHL offseason trends Resources: NHL Salary Cap History - https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-salary-cap-history Leo Carlsson's Contract Details - https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/38012345/leo-carlson-18-million-per-year-contract Dylan Larkin Trade Saga - https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2023/07/15/dylan-larkin-trade-possibilities/ Guest Links: Twitter - https://twitter.com/HockeywithDevin  

In this week’s episode of The Flying Octopus Podcast, the fellas dive into Detroit’s July 1 acquisitions and what they mean for the organization. Viktor Arvidsson and Keegan Kolesar, in particular, address key offseason objectives, and the guys will share how. The discussion then pivots to the 2026 NHL Draft, where Evan got an up close view of Detroit’s draft picks as a credentialed member of the media. The guys recap Detroit’s selections, their value, and how the Red Wings adjusted their draft strategy away from the tried and true. The episode ends with a shout out for former guest Shane Malloy, who was hired this week by the St. Louis Blues as their new director of strategic planning.   Key Topics - Red Wings draft picks and strategy - Free agency signings and trades - Player development and prospects - Team identity and future plans - Impact of recent NHL moves   00:00 - Flight Cancellations and Scams 02:40 - NHL Draft and Free Agency Overview 05:17 - Analyzing Free Agency Moves 08:09 - The Impact of New Acquisitions 10:40 - Team Identity and Future Prospects 13:28 - Dylan Larkin's Trade Drama 15:57 - Looking Ahead to the Draft 21:31 - Buffalo Draft Experience 23:40 - Victor Plante's Emotional Draft Moment 25:17 - Analyzing JP Hurlbert's Selection 28:16 - Sebastian Cossa Trade Discussion 30:54 - Draft Class Overview and Player Potential 37:32 - Shifting Draft Strategies and Future Outlook 39:26 - Draft Grades and Final Thoughts

In this episode, Tony and Devin discuss the latest NHL trades, the potential trade of Dylan Larkin, and the Detroit Red Wings' upcoming draft strategy, including key prospects and draft picks. They analyze team moves, draft value, and strategic considerations for building a competitive team.   Key Topics: NHL trade activity and potential Dylan Larkin trade Red Wings draft strategy and key prospects at 47 Impact of recent trades on team building Drafting for value versus ceiling in later rounds Prospect pipeline and defensemen development NHL Trade Frenzy: Will Dylan Larkin Be Traded? Red Wings Draft Strategy: Who Should They Pick at 47? Sound Bites "If they don't get a deal draft weekend here, it might go into July or August." "Steve Yzerman will only do a trade if it's right for the organization." "Shoot for the stars with your second round pick." Chapters 00:00 - NHL Trade Frenzy: Analyzing Recent Moves 04:44 - Dylan Larkin's Future: Trade Speculations 09:13 - Draft Strategies: The Importance of the 47th Pick 12:13 - Shooting for the Stars: Second Round Picks 16:31 - Late Round Picks: Building Depth for the Future 26:14 - Hypothetical Scenarios: What If Larkin is Traded?  

Interview: Summary In this episode, Shane Malloy, a renowned hockey scout and author, shares insights on NHL draft strategies, player evaluation, and the Detroit Red Wings' prospects and management. Tune in to learn how to assess talent and build a winning team in hockey. Keywords Hockey Draft, Player Evaluation, Detroit Red Wings, Shane Malloy, NHL Prospects, Draft Strategy, Hockey Management Key Topics NHL draft strategy and player evaluation Detroit Red Wings prospects and management Importance of second and seventh round picks Mental makeup and leadership in prospects Defensemen value in draft and trades  Guest Name: Shane Malloy Titles Decoding the NHL Draft: Insights from Shane Malloy How to Build a Winning Hockey Team: Draft and Development Strategies Sound bites "They just don't hit in the second round." "You want those glue guys in the middle." "It's about players who can play five on five." Chapters 00:00 The Struggles of Second Round Picks 02:43 Dylan Larkin's Trade Request and Its Implications 05:27 The State of the Red Wings Organization 08:31 Prospects and Future Trade Opportunities 11:09 Mental Makeup of Prospects 14:03 Leadership and Opportunity in the Red Wings 16:54 The Future of the Red Wings Post-Larkin 22:09 Rising Stars and Leadership Mindset 23:18 Draft Strategy: High Floor Players 28:54 Identifying Value in the Draft 34:23 The Importance of Off-Puck Play 41:13 Finding Late-Round Gems 43:36 Evaluating Draft Class Strength Resources Shane Malloy on Twitter - https://twitter.com/ShaneMalloy The Art of Scouting by Shane Malloy - https://www.amazon.com/Art-Scouting-Shane-Malloy/dp/XXXXXX NHL Network Radio Sirius XM - https://www.siriusxm.com Prospect Profiles on NHL Network Radio - https://www.siriusxm.com/prospectprofiles Guest links Twitter - https://twitter.com/ShaneMalloy  

 In this week’s episode of The Flying Octopus Podcast, the fellas dive into the latest news surrounding Dylan Larkin’s trade request, including an updated trade list, potential returns, and the impact on his legacy. The discussion then turns to Steve Yzerman and if he’s the right person to be managing the situation on Detroit’s end, plus what a trade (or holding out for a better return) might mean for the Red Wings’ other offseason plans. The guys also discuss the Sebastian Cossa trade rumors that have been circulating as of late and what they potential signal for the organization.   WHERE TO FIND US TWITTER - @FLYINGOCTOPOD YOU TUBE - @THEFLYINGOCTOPOD ITUNES, SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU GET YOUR PODCASTS  

This episode dives into the emotional and strategic implications of Dylan Larkin's trade request from the Detroit Red Wings. We analyze the potential impact on team dynamics, future prospects, and the broader NHL landscape, featuring insights from hockey experts.   Chapters 00:00 The Trade Deadline Rift 03:16 Dylan Larkin's Trade Request 07:43 Emotional Reactions and Organizational Impact 12:16 Future Implications for the Red Wings 16:42 Leadership and Fan Reactions 19:31 Dylan Larkin's Legacy and Fan Reactions 21:53 Steve Yzerman's Strategy and Future Implications 24:11 Trade Scenarios and Potential Destinations for Larkin 31:50 Trusting the Yzerplan Now?: Yzerman's Decisions Under Scrutiny 34:57 The Emotional Impact of Larkin's Potential Departure    guest links: Twitter - https://twitter.com/HockeywithDevin  

Former USA Today Hockey Writer and current editor-in-chief of Detroit Hockey Now, Kevin Allen, joins the show to talk Red Wings hockey, the legacy of Claude Lemieux, Detroit's Draft approach, and the legend that is Doc Emrick. He also weighs in on Steve Yzerman's draft strategy and tells us why you can't build a contender through the draft. All that and more on Episode 83 of The Flying Octopus Podcast. 

On episode 82 of The Flying Octopus podcast, Evan Sabourin and Devin Little discuss long term ripple effects from the Ken Holland era. They breakdown GM Steve Yzerman's early drafts and discuss just how "prime" they are. What's the real reason behind the ten year playoff drought? Plus the guys react to Frank Seravalli's Sebastian Cossa comments. Could the Red Wing's once crowned "goalie of the future" be on the move and is Michal Postava next in line to backup in Detroit? All that and more on episode #82 of The Flying Octopus podcast. 

In this week’s episode of The Flying Octopus Podcast, the fellas dive into 2025-26 player grades now that the emotion from the season/collapse has subsided. Find out which Red Wings players passed the test and which need summer school. After that, the guys examine the organization as a whole and identify other opportunities for improvement this offseason, including front office hires, team identity, and more. And finally, the show ends with the news of Detroit receiving a PWHL expansion franchise and the hype surrounding this week’s unveiling.

In this week’s episode of The Flying Octopus Podcast, the fellas recap Steve Yzerman and Todd McLellan’s end-of-year press conference, including notes on team offense needing to improve, the bottom-six needing an identity, the coaching staff remaining in place, and much more. The guys also share their thoughts on how the Red Wings can go about reconstructing their forward group for 2026-27 and what blockers they might face. That, and much more about Dylan Larkin’s leadership, team culture, and players that need to pull their weight.

In this week’s episode of The Flying Octopus Podcast, the fellas take a high-level view of the Red Wings’ 2025-26 season, including what went wrong, what went right, and what needs to change. There were certainly some successes from this season, but, at least for now, are overshadowed by the failure of the collapse. There is hope, though, and the guys preview how the Red Wings can right the ship in the offseason and continue their ascension in the standings heading into 2026-27.

In this week’s episode of The Flying Octopus Podcast, the fellas dive into Detroit’s late-season collapse and what comes next for the organization. The discussion ranges from offseason priorities, to potential targets, to a confidence check on Steve Yzerman’s ability to guide the team moving forward. The guys also recap the week that was, which included three painful losses and a breakthrough win on Thursday. The guys discuss becoming Red Wings therapists to cap it all off!

Description:  On episode 77, Evan and Devin compare the Red Wings season to a movie - horror or comedy? The Red Wings leave March behind and start April with a win, but what's behind the issues with this lack of offense and are they even playoff worthy? Goals have been hard to come by, we'll discuss why and what we think the fix is.  Devin breaks down the future core of this team and the guys debate who stays and who goes. We'll look into goaltender John Gibson's presence and discuss whether he's overworked or not.  Plus the latest on prospects Max Plante and Trey Augustine. All that and more on episode 77 of The Flying Octopus podcast. 

In this week’s episode of The Flying Octopus Podcast, the fellas dive into Detroit’s playoff push - or lack thereof. All of the other wild card-contending teams have caught fire, while the Red Wings have fallen back to Earth. What needs to happen for the Red Wings to break through and reach the playoffs? Who do they need to count on to get them across the finish line? The conversation then turns to the Grand Rapids Griffins and their historic season. The boys discuss Grand Rapids clinching the Central Division and key contributors, like Axel Sandin-Pellikka, Carter Mazur, Amadeus Lombardi, and John Leonard. The guys also share an update on Eddie Genborg who made his AHL debut this past week. Finally, the show wraps up with news and notes, including Jacob Bernard-Docker’s contract extension, the Frozen Four, and Detroit’s goaltending situation with Cam Talbot going down with an injury right before a back-to-back.

In this week’s episode of The Flying Octopus Podcast, the fellas recap Detroit’s playoff-style win against the Montreal Canadiens, and what the regulation victory versus an Atlantic Division foe means in terms of the playoff race. With how the Eastern Conference is shaking out, it was truly a must-win game for the Red Wings. The guys also highlighted players who stood out, and gave J.T. Compher and Emmitt Finnie their flowers for stepping up in Dylan Larkin’s absence. The show then turns to Tony’s most recent article for The Hockey Writers and how the three-goal threshold will determine Detroit’s fate in the coming weeks. The show ends with prospect talk, including notes on Eddie Genbord, Anton Johansson, Trey Augustine, and Max Plante, plus the Griffins looking like a juggernaut as they approach the Calder Cup Playoffs.

In this week’s episode of The Flying Octopus Podcast, the fellas recount Detroit’s last couple games and recent injuries, and then how they can take positives from those outings and apply them moving forward. The guys also give Marco Kasper and Justin Faulk their flowers as the two have stood out over the last couple games. Finally, the show ends with a surprise mid-game trade between the Red Wings and Lightning, and why such a move is allowed after the trade deadline.

In this week’s episode of The Flying Octopus Podcast, the fellas recap a roller coaster of a day, including Detroit’s trade deadline moves and Dylan Larkin suffering a knee injury in the game immediately after the deadline. The guys dive into Detroit’s three trades: bringing back David Perron, shipping out Elmer Soderblom, and landing Justin Faulk in a blockbuster deal with the St. Louis Blues. The episode wraps up with notes on other discussions the Red Wings had with teams leading up to the deadline and the other trades around the league that stood out.

 In this week’s episode of The Flying Octopus Podcast, the fellas welcome Tony back from paternity leave and the Red Wings back from the Olympic break. They recap the week that was, including Detroit’s top players shining bright at the Olympics and the Red Wings’ 2-1 win Thursday night in Ottawa. The discussion then turns to the March 6 trade deadline. The guys cover recent rumors surrounding Tyler Myers, Robert Thomas, and MacKenzie Weegar, and open the discussion to Detroit’s overall needs, which players fit the criteria, and the trade chips available.

Summary:    In this episode of the Flying Octopus Podcast, hosts Evan Sabourin and Devin Little discuss various topics ranging from the confusion surrounding pop culture figures in sports to the inconsistent performance of the Red Wings. They delve into the recent incident involving prospect Gavin McKenna, exploring the implications of social media reactions and public perception. The conversation shifts to the upcoming Olympic hockey games, highlighting team dynamics and expectations. Finally, they analyze the recent trade of Artemi Panarin to the LA Kings, discussing its impact on the NHL landscape and the Red Wings' future prospects.   Follows up on X: @FlyingOctopod and check us out on YouTube: @TheFlyingOctopod You can also listen to us on Itunes, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.    Takeaways: Evan expresses confusion about the influence of pop culture on sports. The Red Wings' performance has been inconsistent, affecting fan expectations. Gavin McKenna's incident raises questions about social media's role in shaping narratives. Olympic hockey is anticipated, with discussions on team strategies and player dynamics. The trade of Artemi Panarin to the LA Kings signifies a shift in NHL strategies. Social media can lead to quick judgments without full context. Hockey culture emphasizes the importance of family, particularly mothers. The hosts reflect on the emotional connections players have with their families. The Red Wings are in a competitive position despite recent struggles. The podcast highlights the need for deeper analysis in sports discussions. Chapters 00:00  - Understanding Social Media and Pop Culture 04:04 -  Red Wings Inconsistency and Performance 16:11 - Gavin McKenna Incident and Its Implications 26:51 - The Impact of Celebrity and Legal Issues in Sports 30:03 - Societal Reactions and Media Responsibility 31:49 - Olympic Hockey: Anticipation and Roster Changes 39:10 -  NHL Trades and Team Strategies 47:10 - Looking Ahead: Red Wings and Olympic Reflections

SUMMARY: In this episode of The Flying Octopus podcast, hosts Evan Sabourin, Devin L., and George Malik discuss the recent performance of the Detroit Red Wings, including game recaps, player injuries, and the implications of Ben Chiarot's new contract. The conversation delves into the ongoing debate between analytics and the eye test in evaluating player performance, as well as the potential for a ring of honor to honor past players. The hosts also touch on future prospects for the team and upcoming games before the Olympic break.     TAKEAWAYS: The Red Wings had a tough week with mixed performances. Ben Chiarot's contract has sparked debate among fans and analysts. The importance of both analytics and the eye test in player evaluation. The potential for a ring of honor to honor significant players. Injuries are impacting the team's performance and roster decisions. The Red Wings are in a competitive Atlantic division. Future prospects are looking promising for the Red Wings. The upcoming Olympic break may affect team dynamics. Fans are eager for recognition of past players' contributions. The hosts emphasize the need for a balanced approach to team building.   CHAPTERS: 00:00 Game Time Goals and Team Performance 00:47 Buffalo's Winning Streak and Red Wings' Competition 00:49 Introduction and Initial Thoughts on Larkin's Commercial 03:27 Recap of Recent Red Wings Games 06:09 Discussion on the Red Wings' Performance Against the Kings 08:53 Analysis of the Game Against the Capitals 11:21 Patrick Kane's Milestone and Its Impact 14:27 The Strange Goal Incident and Its Aftermath 16:57 Overtime Loss and Team Dynamics 19:23 Ben Chiarot's Contract Extension Discussion 22:14 Final Thoughts on Team Performance and Future Outlook 33:53 Evaluating Axel Sandin Pelika's Role 36:35 The Analytics vs. Eye Test Debate 39:22 Impact of Veteran Signings on Young Prospects 42:00 Trade Strategies and Future Moves for the Red Wings 46:52 Honoring Red Wings Legends: The Ring of Honor Discussion

In this episode of the Flying Octopus podcast, hosts Evan Sabourin and Devin Little discuss the Detroit Red Wings' recent games, player performances, and the implications of injuries on the team's playoff aspirations. They delve into trade deadline strategies, the importance of goaltending, and the promising prospects in the Red Wings' pipeline. The episode also highlights notable news from Hockey Town, including updates on beloved analyst Mickey Redmond and the impressive season of the Grand Rapids Griffins.   TAKEAWAYS The Red Wings are experiencing a resurgence this season, hoping to break a 10-year playoff drought. John Gibson's performance has been pivotal for the team's success. Injuries to key players like Simon Edvinsson could impact playoff chances. The team has a strong sense of familiarity and chemistry this season. Trade discussions are heating up as the deadline approaches. Prospects like Marco Kasper and Trey Augustine are showing promise for the future. The Red Wings need to bolster their blue line to maintain playoff contention. Mickey Redmond's health update is a significant concern for fans. The Grand Rapids Griffins are having an exceptional season with strong goaltending. The rivalry with the Maple Leafs remains a highlight for Red Wings fans. Chapters 00:00 Cold Open and Initial Banter 00:54 Discussion on the Red Wings' Performance 01:19 The Significance of Episode 69 03:02 Recapping Recent Games 04:27 Injury Concerns and Player Performance 10:40 Playoff Atmosphere in Recent Matches 13:56 Resilience and Team Chemistry 18:53 - Injury Updates and Future Implications 24:01 Trade Chatter and Rumors 25:28 Red Wings' Path to Ending the Playoff Drought 28:51 Key Player Performances and Team Additions 31:47 Goaltending and Defensive Strategies 36:17 Prospects and Future Talent 41:42 Wrap-Up and Upcoming Games

Summary In this episode of the Flying Octopus podcast, hosts Evan Sabourin and Devin Little dive into the recent retirement ceremony of Detroit Red Wings legend Sergei Fedorov, reflecting on the emotional impact it had on fans and the community. They discuss the significance of Fedorov's contributions to the team and the nostalgia it evoked among attendees, highlighting the generational connections formed during the event. The hosts also recap the Red Wings' recent games, including a thrilling overtime victory against the Hurricanes and a disappointing loss to the Bruins, analyzing the team's performance and potential trade scenarios involving defenseman Dougie Hamilton from the New Jersey Devils.   The conversation flows from the excitement surrounding Fedorov's ceremony to the current state of the Red Wings, touching on the team's playoff aspirations and the importance of their young talent. The hosts express their thoughts on the need for strategic trades to bolster the team's defense and discuss the implications of the upcoming NHL draft. Overall, the episode captures the essence of hockey culture in Detroit, blending personal anecdotes with insightful analysis of the team's trajectory. Chapters 00:00 Grandma Bob's Pizza: A Culinary Delight 02:00 Introduction to Episode 68: Fedorov's Retirement 03:21 Recapping Fedorov's Retirement Ceremony 07:46 The Emotional Impact of the Night 17:20 Analyzing the Red Wings' Recent Games 23:41 Trade Rumors: Dougie Hamilton Discussion 30:18 Analyzing Dougie Hamilton's Potential Impact 32:41 The Importance of Defensive Pairings 35:47 Evaluating the Red Wings' Goalie Pipeline 40:07 Proposing a New Draft Host System 48:34 Celebrating Zdeno Chara's Legacy  

In this episode of the Flying Octopus podcast, the hosts discuss Patrick Kane's milestone 500th goal, the recent performance of the Detroit Red Wings, and the impact of line changes on team dynamics. They analyze John Gibson's crucial role in goaltending, Nate Danielson's addition to the Griffins, and strategies for the upcoming trade deadline. The episode also celebrates Sergey Fedorov's jersey retirement and recaps the World Juniors, highlighting the success of Red Wings prospects. The conversation concludes with thoughts on the future of the Red Wings and their path to success.   00:00 Patrick Kane's 500th Goal Celebration 02:23 Red Wings Recent Performance and Line Changes 05:14 Analyzing the Ottawa Game 07:52 John Gibson's Impact and Goaltending Discussion 10:36 Grand Rapids Griffins' Historic Start 13:08 Nate Danielson's Development and Team Dynamics 16:01 Future Prospects and Trade Considerations 23:20 Evaluating Young Talent and Goaltending Decisions 28:57 Trade Deadline Strategies and Defensive Needs 40:23 Celebrating Sergey Fedorov's Legacy 45:03 Reflecting on Fedorov's Impact and Career 49:26 Nostalgia and Memories of the Red Wings 52:53 Tributes and Celebrations for Sergey Fedorov 54:38 Remembering Glenn Hall: A Hockey Legend 55:44 Looking Ahead: The Winter Classic in Utah 01:02:04 The Future of the Winter Classic 01:04:49 World Juniors and Red Wings Prospects

On episode 66 of The Flying Octopus Podcast, @hockeywithdevin and @sabourin91 recap another successful week for the Red Wings that saw the team reach the top of the Atlantic division. Simon Edvinsson's "coming - out -party" was epic and a key moment in his development as well one of the top games of the season. Then the boys break down the Olympic rosters that came out on Friday, January 2nd. Who's in and who's out? Who got snubbed? We'll hit on that and more on episode 66 of The Flying Octopus Podcast

On episode 65 of The Flying Octopus podcast - Travis Focht and Nick Harrington from @HockeytownWpod join Devin and Evan to recap the Red Wings' 6 - game road trip. The guys break down Todd McLellan's first "full" season behind the bench. Axel Sandin-Pellikka's game has continued to improve. Is he the superstar defender that Detroit so desperately needs? Devin tells you why he could be something special. Plus the Red Wings say goodbye to Jonatan Berggren and hello to John Leonard. All that and more on episode 65 of The Flying Octopus podcast. Takeaways: Ketchup phobia is a real thing among some players. The Red Wings are performing well this December compared to previous years. Todd McLellan's coaching style is instilling a winning mentality in the team. Young players like Axel Sandin-Pellikka are showing great potential. The Griffins are currently on a winning streak, showcasing their talent. Stadium Series jerseys often receive mixed reactions from fans. Player development is crucial for the Red Wings' future success. The Atlantic Division is highly competitive this season. Fans should remain patient as the team continues to grow.   Chapters 00:00 Ketchup Phobia and Hockey Humor 02:33 Red Wings Season Recap and Performance 05:16 Coaching Changes and Team Dynamics 07:51 Player Development and Young Talent 10:44 Recent Transactions and Future Prospects 28:17 Evaluating NHL Prospects and Draft Classes 31:16 The Impact of Draft Decisions on Team Performance 34:02 Spotlight on John Leonard: AHL Success and NHL Potential 37:23 Assessing Player Roles and Team Dynamics 41:14 Stadium Series Jerseys: A Design Disappointment 48:12 Nick Saban Joins the Nashville Predators Ownership 49:19 Wrapping Up: Future Prospects and Holiday Wishes

In this episode of the Flying Octopus Podcast, hosts Evan Sabourin and Devin Little discuss the recent trade of Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild. They analyze the implications of the trade for both teams, the assets exchanged, and the potential impact on the Red Wings. The conversation also explores other trade targets for the Red Wings and reflects on the team's current standing and future moves. Takeaways: The trade of Quinn Hughes to Minnesota was unexpected. Minnesota had the assets to make a significant trade. The return for Hughes included promising young players and a first-round pick. Comparative trade offers were discussed, highlighting the value of prospects. The Red Wings were in the mix for Hughes but opted not to trade key assets. The impact of Hughes' trade on the Western Conference was analyzed. Future trade targets for the Red Wings were identified. The importance of not mortgaging the future for short-term gains was emphasized. The hosts reflected on the Red Wings' current position and potential improvements. The conversation highlighted the unpredictability of NHL trades. Chapters 00:00Introduction and Breaking News 02:07Trade Analysis: Quinn Hughes to Minnesota 04:32Comparative Trade Offers and Prospects 07:22Red Wings' Strategy and Future Moves 09:51Potential Trade Targets for the Red Wings 12:34Wrap-Up and Reflections on the Trade 14:43Recap of the Red Wings' Performance

On Episode 63 of The Flying Octopus Podcast, Shane Malloy from Sirius XM NHL Radio joins the show to break down the latest on the Quinn Hughes situation in Vancouver. He gives his thoughts on what it will take to land the star defenseman in Detroit and the kind of immediate impact he would have on a team desperately looking to end a 10 year playoff drought. Plus Evan says there's already two superstars on this current Red Wings team, but pump the brakes for now. Plus Devin makes a plea for Alex Debrincat's bid to make the Team USA Olympic roster. All that and more on Episode 63 of The Flying Octopus Podcast. 

On Episode 62 of The Flying Octopus podcast, George Malik from the Malik Report and Travis Focht from Hockeytown West join us to talk all things Red Wings hockey. The boys recap Detroits 4 game losing streak and address how they can climb out of this hole. We also talk Quinn Hughes and break down what the Wings would have to give up for him.  What is wrong with John Gibson and how long is his leash? Is it time for Sebastian Cossa to get the call?  Plus the guys dig in and break down the Grand Rapid's Griffins' historic start. All that and more on Episode 62 of The Flying Octopus podcast.

On Episode 61, the guys from Hockeytown West Podcast join the show to help recap the week that was in Red Wing land. Is Nate Danielson here to stay? The guys break down Marco Kasper's slow start to the season. What changes would benefit him? The Griffins are on a  historic run - Travis Focht, Nick Harrington and Brandon Cooke discuss  the impact of the Red Wings minor league affiliate on the city of Grand Rapids and tell us what to look forward to. All that and more plus a little "ginger power" on Episode 61 of The Flying Octopus podcast. 

On Episode 60 of The Flying Octopus Podcast - Travis Focht from Hockeytown West Podcast joins the show as the guys discuss the Red Wings big win vs Anaheim on Thursday. Line combinations continue to evolve but what is the best fit in terms of rounding out the bottom 6? We break down the John Gibson injury and discuss options in case the injury is long term. Nate Danielson finds his way into the lineup - is he here to stay and who are his optimal linemates? Plus the guys break down the 5 v 5 offense - how does it improve? All that and more on Episode 60 of The Flying Octopus Podcast. 

On this week's episode Tony finds an Evan doppelganger that turns into a work nickname. The guys recap the Red Wings' five game west coast road trip. Things got ugly on Friday against the Rangers. Tony breaks down why Detroit  performed so poorly in a 4-1 loss at the LCA in their first game back. Then Evan chats with Nick Harrington from Hockeytown West Podcast about the Grand Rapids Griffins 8 and 0 start. Nick also gets into some of the top prospects like Nate Danielson, Shai Buium, Michael Brandsegg-Nygard and even goaltender Michal Postava who has helped create an excellent tandem with Sebastian Cossa. All that and more on Episode 59 of The Flying Octopus Podcast.

In this week’s episode of The Flying Octopus Podcast, the fellas review the Red Wings’ performance so far now that we’re 10 games into the 2025-26 season, including thoughts on the rookies, contract-year players, young players continuing to ascend, and Detroit’s goaltending tandem. The guys also analyze Detroit’s penalty kill and power play, plus what’s needed moving forward. 

In this week’s episode of The Flying Octopus Podcast, the fellas keep it light and positive after two ugly losses by the Red Wings. They start off with a blast from the past, then pivot to the current youth movement and the resurgent penalty kill. The conversation then transitions to Michael Rasmussen, and what’s needed to get the 2017 first-round pick back to the impactful player he was a couple years ago. Then the guys discuss lineup changes to get back on track, plus a couple Grand Rapids Griffins who could be forcing their way onto the Red Wings roster soon.

In this week’s episode of The Flying Octopus Podcast, the fellas recap Detroit’s last three games: 6-3 win against Toronto, a 3-2 win against Toronto, and a hard-fought 4-1 victory over the Panthers. The guys discuss Axel Sandin-Pellikka’s rough outing vs. Toronto on Monday and how he rebounded nicely against the Panthers, plus other notes on stellar performances. The podcast then turns to why the Red Wings’ power play had been so effective, then ends with Detroit’s goaltending tandem, and what the plan should be for John Gibson and Cam Talbot moving forward. 

In Episode 55 - Evan, Tony and Devin discuss the good feelings heading into the 2025 season and the excitement of seeing three rookies in the opening night lineup. But things did not turn out the Red Wings way on Thursday at the LCA. The guys recap the home opener: a 5-1 loss at the hands of the Montreal Canadiens. Tony discusses what happened to John Gibson and why he deserved to be pulled in his Detroit debut. The guys also break down what they saw from the young kids. Did Axel Sandin-Pellikka get fed to the wolves in his first career NHL game?  Optimism still reigns supreme for now but the Red Wings will have to turn it around quickly after a performance like that, especially when you consider the games on deck. Join us for Episode 55 of The Flying Octopus Podcast. 

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.