Does Detroit's Core Need A Shakeup? Wings Roster Analysis - Apr. 29th, 2026
4/29/20261 hr 28 min
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.
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Max's Article: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7219639/2026/04/27/detroit-red-wings-who-stays-who-goes-steve-yzerman/
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Clips
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsSpeaker 10:00
[upbeat music] Welcome to the Wing Wheel Podcast, the number one source for news, analysis, and discussion on the Detroit Red Wings, the NHL, and all things hockey. Here are your hosts, Ryan Hanna, Brad Krysko, and Evan Lobsinger.
Ryan Hanna· Host0:23
It's a risky bit to play to the whole Evan Pickleball thing that we're running because this- I paid good money for that ad space [laughs] This celebrity might go to your head, and you might not make it through the off-season. We need you for next year.
Evan Lobsinger· Host0:42
I don't think the increase in followers on my Pickleball Instagram account are gonna be the reason why I don't make it to next season.
Ryan Hanna· Host0:49
[laughs] Well, how much-- How many more followers did you have?
Evan Lobsinger· Host0:52
Like f- last night it was, like, 50. [laughs] I, like, tripled.
Ryan Hanna· Host0:55
[laughs] We don't have much influence on this show, but we can, we can d- do stupid bits like that and triple Evan's Pickleball Instagram account following.
Evan Lobsinger· Host1:07
I love it.
Ryan Hanna· Host1:08
But again, like, w- we can't lose you because what are we gonna do if we don't have you to cover a season of Detroit Red Wings hockey where they build up our hopes and then fail at the end? We just have no proof of concept as to how to operate.
Evan Lobsinger· Host1:20
It's gonna take all three of us to comb through the second round to figure out who the Red Wings should draft with their first pick.
Ryan Hanna· Host1:26
I'll tell you, it's about as painful to start that