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.

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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.

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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.

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What's the plan between the pipes in Hockeytown? This Detroit Red Wings podcast tackles the Sebastian Cossa question as the Grand Rapids Griffins playoff run raises debates about Detroit's goalie depth chart. News and analysis covers Red Wings prospects, a Marco Kasper injury update, and NHL drama including the Oilers' postseason meltdown.

(00:00) - Intro
Ryan learns the hard way not to wade into Bruins-Sabres discourse online, plus a tragic Costco hot dog incident in the parking lot.

(06:25) - Goalie Situation Next Season
Sebastian Cossa is no longer waiver-exempt, Michael Postava has taken the Griffins net, and John Gibson holds down Detroit. How does Steve Yzerman handle a backup spot when Cam Talbot is a UFA and playoff expectations are real?

(26:00) - Trading Cossa Scenarios
Edmonton, Vancouver, and the Elias Pettersson rage-baiting Evan return. What kind of return makes sense if Yzerman moves a goalie prospect this summer?

(38:20) - Marco Kasper Knee Injury
Kasper reportedly played through a lingering knee issue, plus Moritz Seider and Albert Johansson updates heading into the World Championships.

(43:10) - Oilers Crash Out & McDavid & Draisaitl's Futures
Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl scorch their own organization after the Anaheim loss. Stan Bowman, Jeff Jackson, and a franchise backed into a corner - could the unthinkable happen?

(59:45) - McAvoy-Benson Incident
Charlie McAvoy's two-handed chop, Zach Benson's slew foot, and the rat energy that ended the series as the Sabres beat the Bruins.

(1:05:30) - More NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Series Updates
Buffalo over Boston, Minnesota & Hughes drop Dallas, Vegas-Anaheim on deck, and Carolina and Colorado as buzzsaws.

(1:13:20) - Leafs Hire John Chayka
Toronto's baffling GM choice, Matt Sundin: window dressing?, and Keith Pelley running the show.

(1:20:05) - Overtime: Patron Questions
Cossa and Nate Danielson trade talk, Cole Perfetti reclamation idea, Evgeni Malkin rumblings, and bottom-six UFA targets.

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This Detroit Red Wings podcast tackles the biggest offseason question head-on: does something need to change with the Red Wings core? Our Hockeytown roster analysis breaks down Dylan Larkin's future, Red Wings trade options, and which of McLellan's "jerseys" need to go this summer.

(00:00) - Intro
The offseason is officially here whether we like it or not.

(04:50) - Should the Core Be Shaken Up?
The big debate: do you move on from Dylan Larkin, Lucas Raymond, or Moritz Seider to push the window? Why Robert Thomas-style targets are the archetype Steve Yzerman should be chasing, and why no prospect should be untouchable.

(24:25) - Edvinsson, Copp and Compher
Simon Edvinsson's playoff-ready ceiling, what Andrew Copp could fetch in a trade, and why J.T. Compher is the easiest bottom-six player to say goodbye to if a taker exists.

(34:30) - JVR and Perron
Where James van Riemsdyk fits if the bottom six actually changes.

(37:55) - Rasmussen's Runway and Patrick Kane's Future
Michael Rasmussen as the litmus test for how serious Yzerman is about the overhaul.Why the Red Wings may not be able to afford to let Patrick Kane walk in free agency as of right now.

(45:05) - Kasper, Danielson and Finney
Marco Kasper's sophomore slump, where Nate Danielson fits, and why Emmitt Finnie's rookie season was quietly one of the bright spots.

(50:00) - Appleton and the Defense
Mason Appleton's disappointing year, the Justin Faulk trade in hindsight, and why the blue line with Seider, Edvinsson, and Axel Sandin-Pellikka is fine for now.

(58:45) - Goaltending Outlook
Cam Talbot's likely exit, John Gibson's role going forward, and the Sebastian Cossa runway question heading into next year with Augustine, Postava, and Gylander waiting in Grand Rapids.

(1:03:50) - Playoff Update
The Oilers-Ducks goal-line controversy, Mishkov scratched in Philly, and updates from around the bracket.

(1:13:35) - Overtime Questions
Offer-sheeting Jason Robertson, buying out contracts, Mason McTavish chatter, and what Detroit can learn from the Bruins' culture.

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Max's Article: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7219639/2026/04/27/detroit-red-wings-who-stays-who-goes-steve-yzerman/

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With the Stanley Cup playoffs rolling on, the Detroit Red Wings are looking to the offseason. This podcast tackles the looming Simon Edvinsson contract extension and what it could mean for Steve Yzerman's cap sheet this summer.

(0:00) - Intro & Offseason Delirium Begins

(04:25) - Simon Edvinsson Contract Negotiations
Where Edvinsson's next deal likely lands using the Hutson, Lacombe, and Seider comparables, plus whether he should chase term security or bridge for a bigger third contract.

(28:55) - Senators Swept by Hurricanes & the Ridley Greig Sucker Punch
Carolina deletes Ottawa's offense in four straight as Brady Tkachuk and Tim Stutzle no-show the series. Could Tkachuk be on the move? Also, the hockey world unites against Greig's gloved cheap shot and what it means for him next season.

(39:35) - More Stanley Cup Playoffs Updates
Buffalo putting six on Boston, Montreal punching back at Tampa, and Pittsburgh getting drawn into Philly's nonsense. Utah taking a 2-1 lead and the jersey exchange promotion that ran out of stock. Connor McDavid trying to do everything while Edmonton's defense and goaltending fall apart again, plus what it could mean for his next contract.

(57:30) - Overtime Mailbag
UFA ranks (Mantha, Marchessault, Arvidsson, Rakell, Bunting), Quinn Hughes odds, gear questions for Brad, a Robert Thomas trade pitch, and Yzerman's comments on the coaching staff.

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Yzerman and McLellan have finally taken the stage. This Detroit Red Wings podcast breaks down Steve Yzerman's end-of-season press conference after a disappointing end. Max Bultman joins for our full analysis, digging into what will come of the bottom-six roster shakeup, and what a real offseason pivot looks like after another March collapse.

(00:00) - Intro and Yzerman's Presser's Tone
Setting the scene on a very different Yzerman presser and the tone shift from last year, and Max Bultman on why Steve Yzerman sounded more accountable and less defensive this time around.

(06:40) - "We Need Better Players"
Unpacking Yzerman's bluntest line and whether it signals real change or more of the same. What Todd McLellan though of Lucas Raymond's performance.

(13:20) - Reclamation Targets
Why Detroit needs to find its own Morgan Geekie or Dylan Strome instead of chasing another known-quantity signing.

(23:45) - Bottom Six Additions
Mason Marchment, Charlie Coyle, Anders Lee, and whether Patrick Kane returning is the domino that shapes everything else.

(32:10) - Yzerman's Job Security
What "I intend to see this through" actually means for the GM's future in Detroit.

(35:42) - Dylan Larkin's Leadership
Yzerman defends his captain while also calling for more five-on-five production from Larkin.

(40:50) - Michael Rasmussen and Core Changes
Rasmussen's hits and penalty minutes cratered this season — is he the litmus test for whether Yzerman means it?

(58:30) - Successful Offseason
What will constitute a successful season in Hockeytown? Jason Robertson or Robert Thomas? Multiple bottom six changes?

(1:01:25) - Goaltending Concerns
Sebastian Cossa losing waiver exemption, John Gibson's workload, and why the crease is far from settled with Postava, Gylander, and Augustine in play.

(1:11:35) - Patreon Q&A
Grand Rapids Griffins call-up candidates, Michael Brandsegg-Nygard's off-wing question, and more.

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We couldn't wait for Steve Yzerman any longer. This Detroit Red Wings podcast breaks down the 2025-26 season in review as Hockeytown misses the playoffs yet again. Full season analysis, grades for every forward, defenseman, & goalie, & reviews on McLellan, Yzerman, & what went wrong.

(0:00) Intro
Jim Rutherford's wild presser throwing Patrik Allvin under the bus and why he should hold a press conference every morning.

(5:35) Season in Review Intro & DeBrincat and Raymond
Setting the table for the annual grading episode - forwards, defense, goalies, coaching, and special teams. Alex DeBrincat's 41 goal season to lead the Red Wings forwards. Plus, the Lucas Raymond shoulder injury that quietly defined his 76-point season.

(17:05) Dylan Larkin's Complicated Season
Larkin's 34 goal campaign, the non-contact knee injury after Olympic gold, and the five-on-five drought that hurt Detroit most.

(26:20) Kane, Copp, and Finnie
Patrick Kane defeating Father Time next to DeBrincat. Andrew Copp's finishing issues as the emergency 2C, and Emmitt Finnie earning a full 82 as a seventh-round rookie.

(44:35) Kasper's Sophomore Slump
Marco Kasper's "lost golf swing", what it means for the second-line center hole, and whether the offensive ceiling is a real concern.

(49:20) JVR, Compher, Appleton, Rasmussen
The "jersey" problem - who should be back, who shouldn't, & why J.T. Compher's contract is the most frustrating watch on the roster.

(1:07:55) Defense Breakdown
Moritz Seider's Norris-worthy season & Simon Edvinsson's RFA extension looming. Axel Sandin Pellikka's rookie year, how the Justin Faulk trade panned out on ice. Plus, the Hamonic/Holl/Gustafsson mess.

(1:29:50) Goaltending and Team Grade
John Gibson's nuclear December, Cam Talbot's rough year, what Sebastian Cossa's runway is like, and a D for Disappointment across the board.

(1:42:35) NHL News and Notes
Draft lottery odds on the St. Louis pick, John Leonard's extension, and takeaways from player exit interviews before Steve Yzerman speaks.

(1:47:10) Overtime: Patron Questions
Cossa vs. Trey Augustine in a hypothetical trade, Kasper vs. Nate Danielson, and who we're rooting for in the playoffs.

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