The Flying Octopus

An all new Red Wings hockey podcast hosted by Tony Wolak, Devin Little and Evan Sabourin

Episodes

4 days ago

38 min

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. 
 

4 days ago

38 min

Oct 3, 2026

23 min

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 RangersFan reactions including boos and sell the team chantsImpact of missing key players like Dylan Larkin and Simon EdvinssonDefensive efforts and puck possession metricsCoaching strategies and line combinationsPlayer physicality and team effortLine performance and player developmentTrade 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 Overview00:39 Red Wings' Performance and Fan Reactions02:33 Boos for Dylan Larkin and Sell the Team Chants04:36 Game Highlights and Defensive Analysis06:00 Team Effort and Missing Talent08:07 Player Physicality and Line Performance09:37 Defensive Metrics and Line Chemistry11:22 Looking Ahead to the Next Game and Lineup Decisions15:18 Injury Updates and Contract Negotiations21:47 Season Outlook and Team Development
 

Oct 3, 2026

23 min

Sep 26, 2026

33 min

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 daughterRed Wings roster decisions and the battle for final spotsImpact of preseason games on player evaluation, especially goaliesContract negotiations and delays involving Simon EdvinssonExpansion of Dylan Larkin’s trade list and potential trade destinationsAnalysis of waiver claims and their strategic implicationsPerformance of young prospects like Anton Johansson and Albert JohanssonThe significance of waiver rules and roster math in team buildingDiscussion of the upcoming NHL season and key players' readinessSpeculation on potential trades and organizational moves
 
 

Sep 26, 2026

33 min

Sep 26, 2026

39 min

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 prospectsDylan Larkin trade list expansionTeam management and ownership issuesPreseason performance and player developmentFuture 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."
 

Sep 26, 2026

39 min

Sep 17, 2026

38 min

 
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
 
 

Sep 17, 2026

38 min

Sep 12, 2026

33 min

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 statusRed Wings GM search process and challengesProspects camp highlights and player expectationsTribute to Barry Melrose and his impact on hockeyOrganizational strategy and ownership influence in Detroit
SOUND BITES
Chapters
00:00 Intro and technical difficulties01:00 Discussion on Bluey and childhood cartoons02:23 Tony discusses son's favorite cartoons and recent hockey topics04:22 Red Wings' 95th player and historical trivia05:09 Dylan Larkin's recent statement and team dynamics06:32 Red Wings' official response to Larkin and leadership questions08:12 Analysis of the GM search and ownership strategy11:19 The state of the Red Wings' management and future prospects13:45 Key players and prospects for upcoming season31:02 Tribute to Barry Melrose and his legacy in hockey34:23 Passing of Andre Pronovost and personal stories35:30 Devin's new media credential and prospects camp excitement37:23 Closing remarks and next week's season preview

Sep 12, 2026

33 min

Sep 4, 2026

29 min

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 implicationsThe role of the new general manager in team decisionsLarkin's relationship with Steve Yzerman and team loyaltyThe impact of social media on player-team relationsPotential strategies for reconciliation and team rebuildingThe significance of team captaincy and leadership changesThe influence of fan sentiment and loyalty in team decisionsContract negotiations and their timing in team managementThe 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."

Sep 4, 2026

29 min

Aug 21, 2026

28 min

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 brandingThe significance of Hockey Town in Detroit cultureThe ongoing search for a new Red Wings general managerFan engagement and merchandise strategiesThe 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 overview02:14 Devin's personal journey and return to writing03:42 Red Wings GM search updates and sources08:23 Sean Horkoff's role and recent trade activity12:32 Analysis of new player Sutter Mazzati13:40 Discussion on Red Wings' jersey and branding strategies16:53 The significance of Hockey Town in Detroit19:40 Historical perspective on Hockey Town branding24:04 Critique of the proposed Hockey Town remix jersey26:31 Jersey design as a marketing tool28:22 Closing remarks and future plans

Aug 21, 2026

28 min

Aug 13, 2026

47 min

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 challengesThe impact of Dylan Larkin trade requestRole of analytics in team buildingProspects and player development strategiesTeam culture and organizational funkFuture 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 Background03:00 Larkin's Value and Team Impact04:01 New GM Search and Management Style05:03 Potential Candidates and Analytics Approach06:20 Involvement of Jeff Greenberg and Analytics in Hockey08:13 Pressure on Illich and Franchise Expectations09:05 Drafting Challenges and Future Strategies10:28 Team Building and Youth Development12:13 Organizational Funk and Team Morale14:27 Defense and Offense Outlook16:46 Contract Negotiations and Player Relations18:38 Alex DeBrincat's Future and Contract Talks20:32 Prospects to Watch in 202622:17 Player Development and Prospect Management24:37 Team Environment and Player Morale27:51 Young Players and Future Impact31:00 Team Strategy and Draft Philosophy33:49 Defensive and Offensive Player Development39:38 Season Outlook and Optimism43:11 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

Aug 13, 2026

47 min

Jul 24, 2026

24 min

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 candidatesSuccess stories of NHL leadership changesImpact of Patrick Kane's move to ChicagoOrganizational change and team rebuilding strategiesThe 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 Search02:05 Devin's Wedding Plans and Personal Updates03:47 Discussion on Internal Candidates: Sean Horkoff and Others07:54 External Candidates and Successful NHL Examples11:58 The Value of Organizational Knowledge in Hiring16:08 Differences in Management Styles: Inside vs Outside Hires19:54 Case Studies: Vegas, Colorado, and St. Louis24:04 Addressing Team Rebuilding and Player Trades29:01 The Impact of Leadership Changes on Team Dynamics31:05 Patrick Kane's Move to Chicago and Its Significance31:56 Closing Remarks and Next Steps
Resources:
NHL Organizational Change Examples - https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-organizational-changes-examplesPatrick Kane's Career Profile - https://www.nhl.com/player/patrick-kane/8470644Detroit Red Wings Official Website - https://www.nhl.com/redwingsVegas Golden Knights Management - https://www.nhl.com/news/vegas-golden-knights-managementSt. Louis Blues Management Transition - https://www.nhl.com/news/st-louis-blues-management
 guest links
Twitter - https://twitter.com/HockeywithDevinTwitter - https://twitter.com/FlyingOctopod
 

Jul 24, 2026

24 min

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