The Red Wings beat Ottawa with Dylan Larkin back in the lineup and no C on his jersey. Greg and Ryan break down the night: Larkin booed on every touch, then named first star after a goal and an assist, two goals from Alex DeBrincat, three assists from Lucas Raymond, Justin Faulk’s 500th point, and Emmitt Finnie dropping the gloves for the first time.

They also dig into the rookies. Anton Johansson, William Wallinder, Carter Mazur, and Nate Danielson all had strong nights, and MBN keeps running through people at 14 minutes a game. Plus the 5v5 numbers behind the win and Larkin’s looser postgame interview.

Second half: reports that Jeff Greenberg was the preferred GM candidate before pulling out over autonomy, Frank Seravalli on Shawn Horcoff working with “training wheels,” and what it says about Chris Ilitch’s grip on the hockey side. The hosts compare how other NHL owners run their teams, walk through what an NHL takeover would take, and talk about what fans can do while the GM search sits on pause.

Questions for the show? Email greg@grindlinepodcast.com

Remember to follow us on Twitter & Instagram @GrindLinePod and join our Discord at discord.gg/mQ6KP6ePGX

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Simon Edvinsson is still in Sweden, the Red Wings are 0-2, and now there are reports he might want out. Greg and Ryan go through the four reports from October 5th, including Elliotte Friedman's update, Chris Johnson's report that the first contract offer didn't come until mid-September, and Dave Pagnotta's number on the six-year pitch that Greg says falls well short of the market.

Before that, Kris Draper moves over to run pro scouting, and Chris Ilitch posts a statement on LinkedIn after opening night. Ryan was at the home opener and describes what it looked like from the stands: boos during intros, noticeably empty seats, "sell the team" chants, and Larkin jerseys with the name crossed out.

Then the games. Emmitt Finneie looks like a natural at center, MBN keeps getting to the front of the net, and the vets are still shaking off rust after a shortened preseason. Plus a closer look at Anton Johansson, who has been one of the best things about the start of the season.

Questions for the show? Email greg@grindlinepodcast.com

Remember to follow us on Twitter & Instagram @GrindLinePod and join our Discord at discord.gg/mQ6KP6ePGX

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Three days before puck drop, Simon Edvinsson still doesn't have a locker in the Red Wings dressing room. Greg and Tyler break down the contract standoff, the reported $9-10 million ask, the bridge-deal rumors, and why locking up a 23-year-old, 6'6" defenseman shouldn't be this hard.

Then the 23-man opening night roster is out. Full breakdown of the lines and pairings, the center depth problems up front, and real bright spots on defense with Anton Johansson and a goaltending tandem that looks like an actual upgrade.

Second half: JFresh's 2026-27 standings projection has the Red Wings near the bottom of the league, what the lineup looks like if Dylan Larkin actually suits up, and Bob Duff's report that the Larkin situation may already be past the point of reconciliation.

Questions for the show? Email greg@grindlinepodcast.com

Remember to follow us on Twitter & Instagram @GrindLinePod and join our Discord at discord.gg/mQ6KP6ePGX

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