The Conversation Line

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Daniella Bruce and Ken Daniels sit down with Red Wings equipment managers Brady Munger and John Remejes, as the duo share their unique behind-the-bench perspective. Does a broken stick really make a distinct sound? How long does it take to pack all team gear post-game? Also in this episode, the story of one NHL goalie accidentally locking himself in a locker room closet. Presented by Fieger Law.