Detroit's Trade Priorities and Olympic Hockey Predictions - Feb. 8th, 2026

It's Olympic break time, but the Winged Wheel Podcast rolls on! This Detroit Red Wings podcast breaks down Steve Yzerman's trade deadline priorities, as Hockeytown (& beyond) news and analysis covers defenseman targets, forward options, and Olympic tournament predictions.

(00:00) - Intro

(04:35) - Trade Deadline Priorities
Yzerman enters planning mode as the trade freeze lifts - what's the biggest priority for Detroit? Top-six scoring threat versus defensive depth - which move makes the bigger impact for the playoff push.

(12:50) - Defenseman Targets
Breaking down right-shot options available like Rasmus Ristolainen or a longer-term in Mackenzie Weegar, plus what it might cost to upgrade the blue line behind Seider and Edvinsson.

(20:50) - Forward Options & Prospect Trading Philosophy
Robert Thomas, Vincent Trocheck, and other high-end forwards who could transform the Red Wings offense - are they realistic targets to help DeBrincat & Kane keep the offense afloat? Should Danielson or Brandsegg-Nygard be trade bait? Also, Carter Mazur takes the ice again!

(34:55) - Olympic Preview - Red Wings Olympic Representatives
Complete tournament breakdown with group analysis and medal predictions as Red Wings & NHL stars head to Italy. Plus, How Dylan Larkin, Moritz Seider, and Lucas Raymond will impact their respective teams.

(44:49) - Tournament Groups & Medal Predictions
Group-by-group analysis and our picks for who takes home Olympic gold - McDavid, Crosby, & MacKinnon with Canada or Larkin, Hughes, and the Tkachuks with Team USA - or a Sweden/Finland upset?

(1:03:15) - NHL Notes & IIHF Tournament Structure Gripes
McAvoy makes his frustration with the Department of Player Safety known, Patrick Kane tried to recruit Panarin, and more.

(1:08:45) - Overtime Mailbag
Your questions and comments to wrap up another eventful week in Hockeytown.

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