Does Detroit's Core Need A Shakeup? Wings Roster Analysis - Apr. 29th, 2026
Winged Wheel Podcast - A Detroit Red Wings Podcast
Winged Wheel Podcast
4.9 • 968 Ratings
🗓️ 29 April 2026
⏱️ 88 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
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.
---
Max's Article: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7219639/2026/04/27/detroit-red-wings-who-stays-who-goes-steve-yzerman/
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!
Transcript
Click on a timestamp to play from that location
| 0:00.0 | Welcome to the Wingwheel podcast, the number one source for news, analysis, and discussion on the Detroit Red Wings, the NHL, and all things hockey. |
| 0:19.2 | Here are your hosts, Brian Hanna, Brad Criscoe, and Evan Lopsinger. |
| 0:28.3 | It's a risky bit to play to the whole Evan Pickleball thing that we're running because... |
| 0:35.0 | I've paid good money for that ad space. |
| 0:37.7 | This celebrity might go to your head |
| 0:39.7 | and you might not make it through the off season. |
| 0:41.5 | We need you for next year. |
| 0:42.8 | I don't think the increase in followers |
| 0:45.3 | on my Pickaball Instagram account |
| 0:47.0 | are going to be the reason why I don't make it |
| 0:48.6 | to next season. |
| 0:49.7 | How many more followers did you have? |
| 0:52.4 | Last night it was like 50. |
| 0:54.0 | I like tripled. |
| 0:56.8 | We don't have much influence on this show, but we can't, we can do stupid bits like that |
| 1:03.3 | and triple Evans pickleball Instagram account following. |
| 1:07.8 | I love it. |
| 1:08.5 | But again, like, we can't lose you because what are we going to do |
| 1:12.1 | if we don't have you to cover a season of Detroit Red Wings Hockey where they build up our hopes and then |
| 1:16.4 | fail at the end? We just have no proof of concept just to how to operate. It's going to take all |
| 1:21.7 | three of us to come through the second round to figure out who the Red Wings should draft with their |
| 1:25.9 | first pick. I'll tell you, it's about as painful to start that process now as it was to cover the long |
... |
Please login to see the full transcript.
Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from Winged Wheel Podcast, and are the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Tapesearch.
Generated transcripts are the property of Winged Wheel Podcast and are distributed freely under the Fair Use doctrine. Transcripts generated by Tapesearch are not guaranteed to be accurate.
Copyright © Tapesearch 2026.