It's time - this Detroit Red Wings podcast breaks down the 2026 NHL Draft strategy for Steve Yzerman with no first-round pick in hand. News and analysis covers Yzerman's free agency options, prospect profiles, Stanley Cup playoff updates, and a coaching shakeup in Toronto.

(00:00) - Intro
Free agency is looking THIN.

(04:25) - 2026 Draft Strategy
With no first-round pick after the Justin Faulk trade, what should Kris Draper and the Red Wings do? The case for swinging for the fences and avoiding the safer Brady Cleveland/Andrew Gibson archetype that's burned them in the past, and how they can get a Stankoven or Hutson of their own.

(13:25) - Trading Up in the Draft
Is moving up worth the cost? Why Sebastian Cossa probably isn't getting it done on his own, and why the 33-38 range could be the sweet spot for catching fallers.

(40:35) - Prospect Profile: Gavin McKenna
Sick puck skills, Kucherov-level vision, and questions about his off-puck effort. Why he's still the favorite to go first overall over Stenberg.

(49:45) - Prospect Profile: Victor Plante
Max Plante's brother and what he could bring as a potential second-round target.

(56:30) - Stanley Cup Playoff Updates
Charlie McAvoy's suspension, the diving problem, and Carolina sitting back watching Montreal and Buffalo beat each other up.

(1:02:45) - NHL news: Berube Fired by Toronto; Cassidy in Demand
Why the move had to happen and what kind of coach the Leafs need next. Vegas blocking interview requests and Edmonton's never-ending dysfunction.

(1:11:05) - Charlie Coyle Contract
Six years, $6 million AAV, full no-move through age 38 - what does this mean for this year's July 1st market?>

(1:19:55) - Overtime Questions
Your questions on Kyrou, Brady Tkachuk rumors, Mackie Samoskevich, and more.

---

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!

This Detroit Red Wings podcast ft. Max Bultman of The Athletic Detroit digs into Moritz Seider's Norris Trophy snub & what's brewing with Red Wings prospects in Grand Rapids. Griffins news and analysis covers the AHL playoff run, Postava's emergence, and Red Wings trade ideas - Matvei Michkov, Auston Matthews, & more.

(00:00) - Intro
Johansson vs. Johansson - settled once and for all.

(03:55) - Moritz Seider's Norris Trophy Snub
Max walks through his ballot and why Seider belonged in the top three despite a loaded field of defensemen this year.

(15:40) - Selke Trophy and Award Categories
Debate on whether the NHL needs a best offensive defenseman award and the inconsistencies in Selke voting.

(24:15) - Red Wings Overseas & Albert Johansson's Future
Seider captaining Germany, Justin Faulk wearing the C for Team USA, Max Plante's highlight reel, Emmitt Finnie on Team Canada, and Lucas Raymond looking healthy with Sweden alongside Albert Johansson. Also, why Johansson could push for a top-four role next season and how that reshapes the Red Wings blue line behind Seider and Simon Edvinsson.

(35:55) - Griffins Advance Past Manitoba
Anton Johansson's rat-like edge, Carter Mazur's two-goal night, and Axel Sandin-Pellikka's highlight goal push Dan Watson's Griffins to advance in the Calder Cup playoffs. Also, is MBN ready for a third-line role in Detroit, or does another year in Grand Rapids serve him better?

(46:40) - Postava and the Sebastian Cossa Question
Postava's resume, the Trey Augustine depth, and whether Cossa becomes a trade chip this summer with Edmonton knocking.

(1:07:55) - NHL News - Hurricanes Buzzsaw & Trade Speculation
Carolina's 8-0 start and why the Stankoven-Hall-Jackson-Blake line has been the playoffs' best. Matvei Michkov scratched in Philly and whether Steve Yzerman should take the swing on him or Auston Matthews.

(1:22:20) - Overtime Questions
Offer sheet ideas for Leo Carlsson, arena rankings, Marco Kasper hypotheticals, and Carter Bear's WHL Finals tear.

---

This episode is sponsored by ExpressVPN: go to ExpressVPN.com/wingedwheel to get 4 extra months FREE!

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!

Hockeytown is growing beyond the Detroit Red Wings! This podcast covers the Griffins' Calder Cup push, PWHL Detroit's arrival at Little Caesars Arena, the Toronto Maple Leafs winning the draft lottery, and a deep look at Red Wings prospects pushing for roster spots.

(0:00) Intro - PWHL Detroit Coming to LCA
Hockeytown is officially getting a Professional Women's Hockey League team this upcoming season!

(5:00) Griffins Take 2-1 Series Lead - Johansson, MBN, and Mazur Standouts
Carter Mazur's two goals lead Dan Watson's group past Manitoba, with Michael Postava strong in net and the Griffins holding their opponent to one of the lowest shot totals in a Calder Cup playoff game since 2009. Anton Johansson looks every bit the prospect Detroit drafted, while Michael Brandsegg-Nygard's physical, wrecking-ball game cements him as a near-lock for next year's Red Wings lineup. Also, why this summer is everything for Carter Mazur's body and his case to crack Todd McLellan's roster.

(18:40) Griffins Poised for Red Wings Roster
A breakdown of how Amadeus Lombardi, John Leonard, Dominik Shine, Axel Sandin-Pellikka, and others fit into a wide-open competition for spots Todd McLellan needs filled.

(32:15) Leafs Win Draft Lottery
Toronto lands the first overall pick and the rights to Gavin McKenna or Ivar Stenberg - the worst possible outcome for Moritz Seider, Lucas Raymond, and the Atlantic Division. The Faulk trade doesn't get worse for Steve Yzerman with the unprotected 1st round pick staying at 15th overall.

(40:20) Atlantic Division Outlook
Why Yzerman has to choose between hyper-aggression and patience this offseason, with no realistic middle ground due to the Dylan Larkin/Alex DeBrincat window.

(52:10) PWHL Detroit Details
Jersey, name, draft hosting, and double-header weekends at LCA.

(59:30) Overtime - Patreon Questions
Most-hated rivals, Elias Pettersson trade math, and grading prospects.

---

This episode is sponsored by ExpressVPN: go to ExpressVPN.com/wingedwheel to get 4 extra months FREE!

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!