The Flying Octopus

Episode 51: Interview with Red Wings radio play-by-play announcer Ken Kal

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. 

Episode 50: Interview with former NHL goaltender Brent Johnson.

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. 

Episode 49: Keith Gave Interview & Red Wings Retire Sergei Fedorov’s No. 91

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!

Episode 48: Red Wings’ Olympic Hopefuls, Oilers Trade Rumor & Datsyuk Interview

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.

Episode 47: Red Wings’ Next Contention Window, Mason McTavish Rumor & More

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/

Episode 46: Red Wings Summer 2025 Prospect Rankings & Tiers

 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/ 

Episode 45: John Gibson Analysis ft. Doug Stolhand from the Puck Podcast + Remaining Offseason Moves

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.

Episode 44: Did the Red Wings Improve Compared to 2024-25? + Erik Karlsson Rumors & More

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.

Episode 43: Day 1 of Free Agency, Gibson Trade, Detroit’s 2025 Draft Class & Much More

 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. 

Episode 42: 7 - Round Red Wings Mock Draft, Radim Mrtka Prospect Profile & More

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/