An introduction to the Octoblog

The 2023–24 NHL and AHL seasons are quickly approaching, and after taking a break from writing last season, I’m back with my own outlet.

Introducing…the Octoblog.

The Octoblog will mainly discuss the happenings of the Detroit Red Wings and the Grand Rapids Griffins. However, it may touch on some NHL/AHL news, as well.

I’m still figuring out what this blog is going to be exactly. I’ve freelanced for a number of Red Wings-based blogs before, including Wings Nation, Octopus Thrower and The Hockey Writers, as well as news media outlets, including The Athletic and MLive.

But I’ve never had this amount of freedom when it comes to content, so it’s not only an exciting journey but also a daunting task. I won’t be force-feeding you boring gamers or tedious game previews. But I do want to offer something unique you can’t find anywhere else.

There’s a lot of good Red Wings content out there, so it will be a challenge to find a new angle. Part of my goal is to offer more Griffins content, not just prospect updates, but human-interest stories and anything else that tells a great story beyond the game.

That’s the goal anyway. Unfortunately, I only have so much time each week to dedicate to this blog on top of my full-time job, but as long as I continue to find new and interesting topics to write about, this blog will see regular updates.

This season should feature a plethora of unique and captivating storylines for both the Red Wings and the Griffins.

Detroit, still in the middle of a rebuild, should improve upon last season’s 80-point season. But the question is how much?

Unfortunately, they are in a tough division with the Ottawa Senators and Buffalo Sabres working through their own rebuilds and looking to make a playoff push. And of course, the mainstays of the Tampa Bay Lightning, Toronto Maples Leafs, Boston Bruins and Florida Panthers could see some dropoff (the Bruins specifically) but will most likely be atop the division in April.

However, the Red Wings improved their offense by trading for Alex DeBrincat and added center depth by signing J.T. Compher in free agency. Additionally, they added forwards Christian Fischer, Daniel Sprong and Klim Kostin; defensemen Justin Holl and Shayne Gostisbehere; and goalies James Reimer and Alex Lyon.

It’s suddenly a crowded locker room, making it hard for prospects to crack the opening night lineup.

The Griffins, on the other hand, could see an influx of youth should none of them stick with the Red Wings.

After getting a small taste of professional hockey with the Griffins last season, forwards Carter Mazur and Amadeus Lombardi should get ample playing time.

Then there are returning prospects, forwards Elmer Soderblom and Cross Hanas, defensemen Simon Edvinsson and Albert Johansson, and goalie Sebastian Cossa, all of whom will look to take the next step in their development.

That’s not to mention newcomer William Wallinder, who enjoyed a solid season with Rogle BK in the SHL.

And at the helm of it all is new coach Dan Watson, who spent six seasons as the head coach of the ECHL’s Toledo Walleye. He has the added advantage of already being in the Red Wings’ farm system and coaching many of the current Griffins players in Toledo.

So there’s a lot to look forward to this season. If you have any interesting ideas or angles you want me to pursue, please let me know. I can’t make any promises, but I’ll do my best.

Here’s to an amazing 2023–24 season!

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