The Flying Octopus

Summary:

In episode #103 of The Flying Octopus podcast, Devin and Tony react to the breaking news of Dylan Larkin's suspension handed down by the organization on Thursday, as it appears the former captain has played his last game in a Red Wings uniform. Interim GM Shawn Horcoff's press conference didn't give much of a timeline for a move but Larkin has been wiped clean from everything in the organization. Where does the team and Larkin go from here? How will it impact the future of the Red Wings? Tony and Devin break down possible scenarios in a trade for #71. The guys also react to Detroit's 4-1 win over the Blackhawks on Thursday night and tell you who stood out on a team that seems to be playing at a higher level to start the 2026 season. All that and more on episode 103 of The Flying Octopus Podcast.

WELCOME TO EPISODE 102 OF THE FLYING OCTOPUS PODCAST:

WE BREAK DOWN THE RED WINGS WEST COAST TRIP AS THERE’S A LOT HAPPENING WITH THIS TEAM AS THEY GET SET TO PLAY IN CALGARY ON SATURDAY NIGHT…MICHAL POSTAVA GOT THE CALL UP ON THURSDAY AND SAW HIS FIRST BIT OF NHL ACTION IN THE WINGS 5-2 WIN OVER THE CANUCKS THAT NIGHT. OUR GOALIE GURU TONY WILL WEIGH IN ON THAT, AS WELL AS SOME IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCES BY SOME OF THE YOUNGSTERS ON THIS TRIP.

WE’LL ALSO GET INTO DYLAN LARKIN’S NOW UPDATED TEN TEAM TRADE LIST AS REPORTED BY HELENE ST. JAMES - AND TELL YOU WHERE WE THINK THE BEST FIT IS FOR HIM

THE SIMON EDVINSSON SAGA IS STILL PLAYING OUT AND I DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU, BUT IT’S STARTING TO FEEL LIKE HE MAY NOT WANT TO SIGN WITH DETROIT. COULD A BLOCKBUSTER MOVE BE ON THE WAY AND WHAT COULD THAT POSSIBLY LOOK LIKE?

PLUS A BIG MOVE WENT DOWN THIS MORNING WITH CONNOR HELLEBUYCK. HOW DOES THAT AFFECT DETROIT?

WHERE YOU CAN FIND US

YT: @theflyingoctopod

Twitter: @flyingoctopod

Itunes, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

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SUMMARY:

In this week's episode of The Flying Octopus Podcast, Tony and Devin recap Detroit's 2-1 victory over the Flyers and identify players and lines that stood out Thursday night. The conversation then turns to Alex Debrincat's new seven-year extension with the Red Wings, it's implications, and what's next for Simon Edvinsson and Dylan Larkin.

SUMMARY:

In episode 100 of The Flying Octopus Podcast, Detroit Hockey Now's Bob Duff breaks down the state of the Red Wings organization. He explains why Chris Illitch has struggled to convey the direction of the team. Why isn't Simon Edvinsson signed and will he eventually be traded? Is there any chance of a reconciliation with Dylan Larkin after his big performance vs. the Senators? The former Windsor Star columnist answers that and much more. He also explains why fan's shouldn't worry about Alex Debrincat resigning with the team. Tune into episode 100 of the The Flying Octopus Podcast for all the latest discussion, news and notes on your Detroit Red Wings.

Summary:

In this episode, Tony Wolak and Devin Little analyze the Detroit Red Wings' season opener, discussing the team's performance, fan reactions, and prospects for the season ahead. They explore the impact of missing players, coaching strategies, and the overall mood surrounding the team.

Keywords:

Red Wings, NHL, season opener, fan reactions, team analysis, hockey discussion

Key Topics

Red Wings' performance against the Rangers
Fan reactions including boos and sell the team chants
Impact of missing key players like Dylan Larkin and Simon Edvinsson
Defensive efforts and puck possession metrics
Coaching strategies and line combinations
Player physicality and team effort
Line performance and player development
Trade rumors and team management decisions

Sound Bites

"Sell the team chants are starting to fill the arena"
"Nothing underscores where this organization is at more than that"
"I don't have a good feeling about this season"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:39 Red Wings' Performance and Fan Reactions
02:33 Boos for Dylan Larkin and Sell the Team Chants
04:36 Game Highlights and Defensive Analysis
06:00 Team Effort and Missing Talent
08:07 Player Physicality and Line Performance
09:37 Defensive Metrics and Line Chemistry
11:22 Looking Ahead to the Next Game and Lineup Decisions
15:18 Injury Updates and Contract Negotiations
21:47 Season Outlook and Team Development

SUMMARY:

In this episode, Evan Sabourin and Devin discuss the recent MLB and NHL highlights, roster decisions, and the ongoing contract negotiations involving top prospects and players. They explore the implications of preseason performances, waiver claims, and the potential trade scenarios shaping the Detroit Red Wings' upcoming season.

KEYWORDS

MLB, NHL, Detroit Red Wings, roster decisions, preseason, contracts, waiver claims, Justin Verlander, Simon Edvinson, Dylan Larkin

KEY TOPICS

Justin Verlander's farewell and emotional moment with his daughter
Red Wings roster decisions and the battle for final spots
Impact of preseason games on player evaluation, especially goalies
Contract negotiations and delays involving Simon Edvinsson
Expansion of Dylan Larkin’s trade list and potential trade destinations
Analysis of waiver claims and their strategic implications
Performance of young prospects like Anton Johansson and Albert Johansson
The significance of waiver rules and roster math in team building
Discussion of the upcoming NHL season and key players' readiness
Speculation on potential trades and organizational moves

SUMMARY In this episode, Kevin Allen and Evan Sabourin discuss the Detroit Red Wings' current roster, prospects, and the Dylan Larkin trade drama, providing insights into team dynamics and future prospects. KEYWORDS Detroit Red Wings, NHL, Dylan Larkin, hockey prospects, team management, trades, NHL preseason, Detroit Hockey Now

KEY TOPICS

Red Wings' roster and prospects
Dylan Larkin trade list expansion
Team management and ownership issues
Preseason performance and player development
Future trade possibilities and team strategy

SOUND BITES

"The expanded trade list gives more hope for a deal."
"Larkin's trade situation reflects deeper issues beyond the team."
"Young players like Pellikka and Johansson are impressing in preseason."

SUMMARY: This episode, we explore the recent changes in the Detroit Red Wings' management, focusing on Shawn Horcoff's interim GM role, the team's training camp outlook, and the strategic decisions shaping their season. We analyze the implications of organizational moves and player contracts, providing insights into the team's future direction. KEYWORDS: Red Wings, Shawn Horcoff, NHL management, training camp, player contracts, Detroit Red Wings, hockey strategy, GM decisions, team rebuild, NHL offseason KEY TOPICS

• Shawn Horcoff's interim GM role and decision-making authority
• Impact of management changes on team strategy and player contracts
• Training camp roster battles and prospects to watch
• Red Wings' contract negotiations with key players like Edvinsson and DeBrincat
• Organizational approach to rebuilding and future planning

Sound Bites

• "Horcoff has my complete confidence"
• "They're actively negotiating with Simon Edvinsson"
• "Shawn Horcoff's authority to trade Dylan Larkin"

Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and episode overview 00:35 - Shawn Horcoff named interim general manager 02:10 - Horcoff's authority and decision-making power 03:55 - Red Wings management approach and organizational timeline 07:40 - Implications of Horcoff's role and ownership decisions 12:12 - Contract negotiations with DeBrincat and Edvinsson 15:54 - Horcoff's potential moves and team strategy 20:58 - Player contracts and roster flexibility 27:20 - Training camp competition and prospects 36:49 - Season outlook and potential surprises 38:32 - Closing remarks and upcoming preseason

SUMMARY

In this episode, the hosts discuss the latest developments in the Detroit Red Wings organization, including Dylan Larkin's statement, the GM search, and prospects camp. They also pay tribute to hockey legend Barry Melrose and share personal stories and insights about hockey culture and management.

KEYWORDS:

Red Wings, Dylan Larkin, GM search, prospects camp, Barry Melrose, hockey management, NHL, Detroit Red Wings, hockey culture

KEY TOPICS

Dylan Larkin's statement and leadership status
Red Wings GM search process and challenges
Prospects camp highlights and player expectations
Tribute to Barry Melrose and his impact on hockey
Organizational strategy and ownership influence in Detroit

SOUND BITES

Chapters

00:00 Intro and technical difficulties
01:00 Discussion on Bluey and childhood cartoons
02:23 Tony discusses son's favorite cartoons and recent hockey topics
04:22 Red Wings' 95th player and historical trivia
05:09 Dylan Larkin's recent statement and team dynamics
06:32 Red Wings' official response to Larkin and leadership questions
08:12 Analysis of the GM search and ownership strategy
11:19 The state of the Red Wings' management and future prospects
13:45 Key players and prospects for upcoming season
31:02 Tribute to Barry Melrose and his legacy in hockey
34:23 Passing of Andre Pronovost and personal stories
35:30 Devin's new media credential and prospects camp excitement
37:23 Closing remarks and next week's season preview

Discussion

Summary:

In this episode, Tony Wolak and Devin L. explore the complex situation surrounding Dylan Larkin and the Detroit Red Wings, including trade requests, team dynamics, and the potential for reconciliation. They analyze the implications for the team's future and the broader NHL landscape.

Keywords:

Dylan Larkin, Detroit Red Wings, NHL trade, team management, player loyalty, NHL contracts, sports leadership, team dynamics

Key Topics:

Dylan Larkin's trade request and its implications
The role of the new general manager in team decisions
Larkin's relationship with Steve Yzerman and team loyalty
The impact of social media on player-team relations
Potential strategies for reconciliation and team rebuilding
The significance of team captaincy and leadership changes
The influence of fan sentiment and loyalty in team decisions
Contract negotiations and their timing in team management
The broader NHL context of player movement and contracts

Takeaways:

Larkin's trade request signals a complex relationship with the Red Wings that may be influenced by management and personal factors.
Reconciliation is possible if the new GM can effectively communicate and rebuild trust with Larkin.
Social media activity may reflect underlying team dynamics and management strategies.
The decision on captaincy and leadership will significantly impact team cohesion and fan support.
Contract negotiations and timing are critical in shaping the team's future and Larkin's role.

Sound Bites:

"Is reconciliation even possible at this point?"
"Fans do not want to see Larkin with the letter C."
"Larkin brought this situation on himself."

Summary

In this episode, Devin and Tony discuss the Detroit Red Wings' branding, jersey designs, and the ongoing search for a new general manager, providing insights into team culture and strategic decisions.

Keywords

Red Wings, Hockey Town, jersey design, GM search, Detroit sports, team branding, NHL, fan engagement

Key Topics:

Red Wings' jersey design and branding
The significance of Hockey Town in Detroit culture
The ongoing search for a new Red Wings general manager
Fan engagement and merchandise strategies
The impact of team branding on fan loyalty

sound bites

"Hockey Town is more than just a logo"
"Hockey Town adds to the Red Wings' lore"
"Minimal effort in jersey design diminishes appeal"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and episode overview
02:14 Devin's personal journey and return to writing
03:42 Red Wings GM search updates and sources
08:23 Sean Horkoff's role and recent trade activity
12:32 Analysis of new player Sutter Mazzati
13:40 Discussion on Red Wings' jersey and branding strategies
16:53 The significance of Hockey Town in Detroit
19:40 Historical perspective on Hockey Town branding
24:04 Critique of the proposed Hockey Town remix jersey
26:31 Jersey design as a marketing tool
28:22 Closing remarks and future plans

Summary:

In this episode former USA TODAY lead hockey writer and Hall of Famer, Kevin Allen, shares insights on the Detroit Red Wings' current challenges, prospects, and future strategies. We explore team dynamics, management decisions, and the importance of analytics in shaping the franchise's path forward.

Keywords:

Red Wings, Kevin Allen, NHL, hockey analysis, team management, prospects, analytics, Detroit hockey

Key Topics:

Red Wings' management and organizational challenges
The impact of Dylan Larkin trade request
Role of analytics in team building
Prospects and player development strategies
Team culture and organizational funk
Future outlook for Detroit Red Wings

Sound Bites

"Larkin is pretty valuable to the Red Wings"
"You gotta pay Edmondson more than Cider"
"Goals are essential for playoff success"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background
03:00 Larkin's Value and Team Impact
04:01 New GM Search and Management Style
05:03 Potential Candidates and Analytics Approach
06:20 Involvement of Jeff Greenberg and Analytics in Hockey
08:13 Pressure on Illich and Franchise Expectations
09:05 Drafting Challenges and Future Strategies
10:28 Team Building and Youth Development
12:13 Organizational Funk and Team Morale
14:27 Defense and Offense Outlook
16:46 Contract Negotiations and Player Relations
18:38 Alex DeBrincat's Future and Contract Talks
20:32 Prospects to Watch in 2026
22:17 Player Development and Prospect Management
24:37 Team Environment and Player Morale
27:51 Young Players and Future Impact
31:00 Team Strategy and Draft Philosophy
33:49 Defensive and Offensive Player Development
39:38 Season Outlook and Optimism
43:11 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

SUMMARY

In this episode, Tony Wolak and Devin L. explore the complexities of hiring a new general manager for the Detroit Red Wings, debating internal versus external candidates, and analyzing successful NHL organizational changes. They also touch on Patrick Kane's move to Chicago and its implications for the team.

KEYWORDS

Red Wings, NHL, General Manager, Internal vs External Hire, NHL Organizational Change, Patrick Kane, Detroit Red Wings, Hockey Management, NHL Trades, Team Building

key topics

Red Wings GM search: internal vs external candidates
Success stories of NHL leadership changes
Impact of Patrick Kane's move to Chicago
Organizational change and team rebuilding strategies
The importance of organizational knowledge in NHL management

SOUND BITES

"They are their own person and they're gonna make decisions on their own."
"Change is change, don't just bring in a protege."
"A clean slate feels like a fresh start."

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to the Red Wings GM Search
02:05 Devin's Wedding Plans and Personal Updates
03:47 Discussion on Internal Candidates: Sean Horkoff and Others
07:54 External Candidates and Successful NHL Examples
11:58 The Value of Organizational Knowledge in Hiring
16:08 Differences in Management Styles: Inside vs Outside Hires
19:54 Case Studies: Vegas, Colorado, and St. Louis
24:04 Addressing Team Rebuilding and Player Trades
29:01 The Impact of Leadership Changes on Team Dynamics
31:05 Patrick Kane's Move to Chicago and Its Significance
31:56 Closing Remarks and Next Steps

Resources:

NHL Organizational Change Examples - https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-organizational-changes-examples
Patrick Kane's Career Profile - https://www.nhl.com/player/patrick-kane/8470644
Detroit Red Wings Official Website - https://www.nhl.com/redwings
Vegas Golden Knights Management - https://www.nhl.com/news/vegas-golden-knights-management
St. Louis Blues Management Transition - https://www.nhl.com/news/st-louis-blues-management

guest links

Twitter - https://twitter.com/HockeywithDevin
Twitter - https://twitter.com/FlyingOctopod

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