Winged Wheel Podcast - A Detroit Red Wings Podcast

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.
---
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!

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.
---
This episode is brought to you by Hims. Visit hims.com/wingedwheel for your personalized hair loss treatment options.
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!

The Detroit Red Wings capped off their season in the most fitting way possible: painfully. This podcast covers the Lightning and Panthers vs. Red Wings game recaps, & analysis of just why Todd McLellan's squad squandered their season in devastating fashion.
(00:00) - Intro & Mickey Redmond's Broken Remotes
Laughing through the pain as Ken Daniels and Mickey Redmond perfectly illustrated all of our reactions to Hockeytown's meltdown.
(05:40) - Red Wings vs. Panthers and Lightning Game Recaps
A Larkin-less Red Wings team is thoroughly embarrassed by a depleted Panthers squad. Even Patrick Kane's 1400th point and Alex DeBrincat's 41 goals aren't enough for a silver lining.
(12:45) - A Pathetic End for Detroit & Todd McLellan's Reaction
Moritz Seider has a Norris Trophy-worthy season. John Gibson had an outstanding stretch. Dylan Larkin scored a career high in goals and Lucas Raymond produced even through injury. So how did Detroit finish the season in the most pathetic manner possible?
(27:15) - Will Yzerman Keep McLellan On?
Will Todd McLellan stay on as head coach this offseason, or will Steve Yzerman believe he's burned his connection to the room? What players have to go and what moves need to be made by the Red Wings front office to turn things around?
(37:35) Offseason Trade Targets & Season Stats That Sting
Elias Pettersson, Mason McTavish, Alexis Lafreniere, Kent Johnson - swing-for-the-fences names Steve Yzerman has to consider. Plus why the forward group is a bigger priority than the blue line.
(50:40) NHL News & Playoff Matchups Set - Predictions
Auston Matthews being non-committal in Toronto, the Leafs' AI trade proposal saga, and Rick Bowness getting an extension. The Eastern Conference bracket is locked in and a 7 vs. 8 first-round matchup exists because the NHL refuses to re-seed. Ottawa crossing over into the Metro. Sabres-Bruins, Lightning-Canadiens, Hurricanes-Senators, Penguins-Flyers - picks and upset calls for every series. Stars-Wild hinges on Roope Hintz & Miro Heiskanen's health, Golden Knights-Mammoth, and whether LA can give Anze Kopitar one last run.
(1:12:20) Overtime: Patron Questions
McLellan's influence on roster decisions, Zach Werenski pipe dreams, the Patrick Kane top-six debate, Carter Mazer's 2026 role, and what we actually want to hear from Yzerman's end-of-season presser.
---
This episode is brought to you by Hims. Visit hims.com/wingedwheel for your personalized hair loss treatment options.
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!

A decade of no playoffs. This Detroit Red Wings podcast covers the elimination from playoff contention on fan appreciation night. Hockeytown news and analysis breaks down the spectacular blown lead that sealed the 10th straight season without postseason hockey for Steve Yzerman's team.
(00:00) - Intro & Elimination Reality
The Red Wings cap off a season-long pattern of blown leads with one final spectacular collapse at home, officially ending playoff hopes for the 10th consecutive year.
(05:00) - Flyers & Devils vs. Red Wing Game Recaps
Moritz Seider's record-setting five-point night and Dylan Larkin's hat trick quickly became a dampened memory, as they were followed by the crushing loss to New Jersey with nothing to play for.
(15:35) - Assigning Blame
Breaking down where this season went wrong - from coaching decisions from Todd McLellan to Steve Yzerman's roster construction to individual player performances that failed to meet expectations. Is this on Dylan Larkin, Lucas Raymond, or Patrick Kane, or does fault lay with everyone?
(25:40) - Playoff Drought Reality
The harsh truth about extending the drought to a decade, and what this means for Steve Yzerman's timeline and the organization's direction moving forward.
(31:15) - Offseason Changes Needed
What needs to happen this summer to avoid year 11 of missing the playoffs, including potential coaching changes and roster shakeups. Will Chris Ilitch consider firing Steve Yzerman?
(46:00) - Prospects Update - Plante and Augustine
The only bright spot remains in the pipeline as Max Plante wins the Hobey Baker and Trey Augustine wins the Mike Richter Award in the NCAA. Also, Kiiskinen and Dylan James join the Grand Rapids Griffins looking to make a long playoff run.
(54:05) - Overtime Mailbag
Your questions about another failed season in Hockeytown and what comes next for Yzerman's wayward squad.
---
Go to TempoMeals.com/WINGEDWHEEL  for 60% off your first box! #ad
Refresh your wardrobe with Quince - go to Quince.com/WINGEDWHEEL for free shipping and 365-day returns!
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!

Is that all she wrote? This Detroit Red Wings podcast covers the Red Wings vs. Blue Jackets heartbreaker that makes playoff hopes smaller than ever. Hockeytown news & analysis breaks down Justin Faulk's 2 goal performance & the crushing 16 second collapse with four games remaining.
(00:00) - Intro & Reality Check
The margin for error is gone as Detroit faces playoff elimination after another gut-wrenching loss to Columbus.
(03:35) - Game Breakdown & Key Moments
Dylan Larkin's power play goal and Justin Faulk's two-goal performance weren't enough as Zach Werenski and the Jackets strike back. John Gibson struggled even with Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat scoring in the shootout.
(15:45) - Playoff Math & The Collapse
With 4% playoff odds remaining, we examine the 35-day stretch that killed Detroit's postseason dreams starting in March.
(36:00) - Remaining Hope & Roster Questions
What's left for Todd McLellan, Moritz Seider, and the Detroit Red Wings down the stretch? Also, debate on why the Red Wings are where they are - injuries to Larkin & Raymond? Mental toughness? Plus, what this means for Steve Yzerman's offseason plans moving forward.
(51:20) - Red Wings News, NHL News & Updates
Dominik Shine is Detroit's nominee for the Masterton Trophy. Also, around the league updates as teams jockey for playoff position while Detroit watches from the outside and the Devils & Kraken make management changes.
(59:30) - Overtime Mailbag
Your questions on the season's disappointment and what comes next for Todd McLellan's squad.
---
Refresh your wardrobe with Quince - go to Quince.com/WINGEDWHEEL for free shipping and 365-day returns!
Go to TempoMeals.com/WINGEDWHEEL  for 60% off your first box! #ad
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!