The Conversation Line

Trey Augustine: One Game at a Time

Daniella Bruce sits down with Red Wings goaltending prospect and current Michigan State Spartans netminder, Trey Augustine. The two discuss Augustine’s standout season, including being named Big Ten Goaltender of the Year and a finalist for the Mike Richter Award, as well as his growth from year to year. What has he improved on the most? How has playing in high-pressure games, including back-to-back World Juniors gold medal runs, shaped his development? Augustine also shares insights on Michigan State’s team culture, the Spartans’ push for a Big Ten championship, and how he stays focused with the NCAA tournament on the horizon. Presented by Fieger Law.

Kris Draper: The grind never stops

Daniella Bruce and Ken Kal sit down with Red Wings assistant general manager and director of amateur scouting, Kris Draper. The trio dives into Draper’s transition from player to front-office leader, his approach to scouting, and how he’s helping shape the future of the Red Wings. How has player development evolved since his playing days? What does he look for in the next generation of NHL talent? Draper also shares stories from his playing career, including his journey from a $1 trade to a key piece of the Red Wings’ championship teams. Plus, hear about his impressive collection of hockey memorabilia, including a vintage Grind Line tee-shirt
Presented by Fieger Law.

Craig Smith: Detroit feels like home

Daniella Bruce and Ken Kal sit down with one of the newest members of the Red Wings, Craig Smith. The trio discuss Smith’s transition to Detroit following the trade deadline, his excitement about joining the team, and his first impressions of the locker room. How is he adjusting to his new teammates? What makes Detroit feel like home for the Midwesterner? Also in this episode, Smith shares stories from his time in Nashville, his love for Big Ten hockey, and why his dog has become the social media star of the family. Presented by Fieger Law.

Britta Ottoboni & Lisa McDowell: Fueling and Fixing the Red Wings

Daniella Bruce sits down with Red Wings massage therapist Britta Ottoboni and Red Wings dietitian Lisa McDowell in honor of Women’s History Month. Britta shares her journey from athletic training to working with Olympic athletes before joining the Red Wings, while Lisa discusses her role in optimizing player nutrition and hydration. What’s the most unusual food request a player has ever made? How do these two women navigate a male-dominated industry while traveling with the team? Also in this episode, what’s the story behind the infamous “chicken cutlets”? Presented by Fieger Law.

Albert Johansson: A lot of hockey

Ken Kal sits down with Red Wings defenseman Albert Johansson who shares insights about growing up in Karlstad, Sweden and his family’s deep hockey roots. He discusses being drafted by Detroit, the challenges of adapting to the speed of the NHL, and his time with the Grand Rapids Griffins. Also in this episode, hear about the impact of coaching changes and his experience defending some of the league’s top players. 

Todd McLellan: A clean canvas

Ken Kal sits down with Red Wings head coach Todd McLellan to explore his journey from small-town Saskatchewan to the NHL. McLellan reflects on his early playing days and his transition into head coaching in San Jose after winning the Stanley Cup with Detroit as an assistant coach in 2008. Also in this episode, McLellan shares his philosophy on team building and why a good coach always starts with great players.

Alex Lyon: Lyon Eyes

Daniella Bruce and Ken Kal sit down with Red Wings goalie Alex Lyon this week. The netminder talks about his adjustment from living in a rural Minnesota town with no stoplights to playing Ivy League college hockey at Yale. At what point of his career did he start his trademarked "Lyon Eyes" stare-down? Also in this episode, Lyon explains how the pressures and stress of the position may have something to do with the interesting nature of goalie psychology. Presented by Fieger Law. 

Moritz Seider: Upward direction

Daniella Bruce and Ken Kal are joined by Red Wings defenseman Moritz "Mo" Seider this week. The three talk about his track from Zell, Germany to Detroit, Michigan and his favorite parts about the city. How was Seider exposed to the game of hockey in a country that's known for soccer? Also in this episode, Seider remembers taking a trip to the U.S. to watch his first NHL game. Presented by Fieger Law. 

Alex DeBrincat: Everything happens for a reason

Daniella Bruce and Ken Kal are joined by Red Wings right winger Alex DeBrincat this week. The Michigan native goes back to his days in Farmington Hills and Traverse City and talks about playing for the team he grew up rooting for. Which former Red Wings player did he try to model his game after? Also in this episode, DeBrincat shares his thoughts on what it's like to be booed as a visiting player. Presented by Fieger Law.

Jason Benetti & Dan Dickerson: On the Call

Ken Daniels is joined by the television and radio voices of the Detroit Tigers, Jason Benetti and Dan Dickerson, respectively, this week to share broadcasting memories from the various booths they've called games from. How did they each find an affinity for the art of play-by-play? The trio also preview the upcoming "Hot Stove Stories! Rounding the Bases with Mike Tirico" event which will feature engaging sports discussions hosted by seasoned broadcasting pros.