The Conversation Line

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.

Patrick Kane: It's Showtime

Daniella Bruce and Ken Daniels are joined by three-time Stanley Cup champion Patrick Kane this week. Now in his 19th season in the NHL, Kane is still able to remember the details of his 474 (and counting) career goals and reveals which individual trophy means the most to him. What happened to the infamous puck shot by Kane that clinched the 2010 Stanley Cup? Also in this episode, the former first-overall pick talks about his experience being welcomed to Chicago as an 18-year-old. 

Shawn Horcoff: You can't ask for a better situation

Daniella Bruce and Ken Kal are joined by Detroit Red Wings assistant GM / Grand Rapids Griffins GM Shawn Horcoff this week to talk hockey development and management. The trio discuss the difficulty jumping from the AHL to the NHL. How did Horcoff go from competing against Steve Yzerman to working alongside him? Also in this episode, Horcoff shares his thoughts on some up-and-coming rookies like Sebastian Cossa. Presented by Fieger Law.

Simon Edvinsson: A special atmosphere here

Daniella Bruce and Ken Kal sit down with Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson this week to talk about his childhood memories growing up near Gothenburg, Sweden - from fishing with family to playing in competitive soccer tournaments all over Europe. Which Red Wings teammate is the best soccer player? Also in this episode, Edvinsson shares his thoughts on goalie communication, chemistry with Mo Seider, and the infamous Swedish dish of Surströmming. Presented by Fieger Law.

Cam Talbot: Every day is a good day

Daniella Bruce and Ken Kal sit down with Red Wings goalie, Cam Talbot this week as he approaches a career milestone. With 498 career games under his belt, what will number 500 mean to him? From a small town in Ontario to the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Talbot explains when the possibility of playing in the NHL sank in. Also in this episode, we learn the origins behind Cam’s Ghostbusters goalie masks, his take on the 4 Nations Face-Off, and what it’s like balancing hockey with dad life.