The Conversation Line

Nate Danielson: Coming Into His Own

Red Wings rookie forward Nate Danielson sits down with Ken Kal and Daniella Bruce for the latest episode of The Conversation Line, presented by Fieger Law. Danielson discusses how his quiet demeanor changes when he's around his teammates, along with his hobbies off the ice. He opens up how his time in juniors and in the minors molded him into the player and young man he is today.

Emmitt Finnie: First-Year Focus

Ken Daniels and Daniella Bruce welcome Red Wings rookie Emmitt Finnie as he takes fans inside his first year navigating NHL hockey. Finnie reflects on his journey from the WHL to draft day and his time in development camp. He shares insight into the tight-knit camaraderie forming among the Red Wings rookies, the veterans helping guide his transition, and the NHL stars who inspired him long before he wore the Winged Wheel. Presented by Fieger Law.

Todd McLellan: The Why is Important

Coach Todd McLellan sits down with Ken Kal and Daniella Bruce to discuss the challenges of coaching a team with a mix of younger players and veterans. How has his experience as an NHL head coach changed over the years? How does he manage relationships with his players and assistant coaches? Get to know more about Todd's life off the ice, including his affinity for bourbon, passion for baseball, and relationship with A. J. Hinch. Presented by Fieger Law.

Dylan Larkin: Managing the Highs and Lows

 
Red Wings hockey is back for its Centennial season, and the captain Dylan Larkin joins Ken and Daniella to discuss his 11th year in Detroit. How has the game changed since his rookie season? Larkin also opens up about the arrival of his daughter in the off season and shares the mental challenges he faced near the end of last season. What has he learned about managing both the mental and physical sides of the season? What was his experience in the Four Nations tournament and how did he manage coming from a high-intensity environment back to the regular season in a short window? He discusses what has impressed him about the youth joining this team and what he saw in training camp from players and coaching alike.

John Keating: We Get to Go to a Ballgame Every Day

Daniella Bruce sits down with longtime Detroit sportscaster John Keating in this special edition of The Conversation Line. As Keating prepares to retire at the end of the Red Wings season, the two reflect on his remarkable career— from covering iconic Detroit sports moments to becoming a staple of Red Wings broadcasts. He shares how it felt to be honored on Opening Day, relives the 1997 Wings-Avs brawl, and talks about the Tigers’ 2003 turnaround. Keating also discusses on his chemistry with Chris Osgood, the infamous Keating-themed ties, and what might be in store for his final home game. Don’t miss his heartfelt message to Detroit fans and what’s next on his horizon.
Presented by Fieger Law. 

Austin Watson: Tough character

Ken Kal sits down with Red Wings forward Austin Watson. Known for his physical style of play, Watson discusses his role as an enforcer, his mindset when dropping the gloves, and the importance of standing up for his teammates. He reflects on his journey to Detroit, sharing experiences from his time in Nashville and what it means to join the team he grew up watching as an Ypsilanti kid. Also in this episode, hear about some of toughest opponents Watson has squared up against throughout his career. Presented by Fieger Law.

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.