The Detroit Red Wings have made a significant change by firing head coach Derek Lalonde and appointing Todd McLellan as his replacement. This decision comes as the team struggles with a three-game losing streak and has only managed to win three out of their last twelve games. The Red Wings currently hold a record of 13-17-4, placing them near the bottom of the Eastern Conference.
Todd McLellan, who has previously coached teams such as San Jose, Edmonton, and Los Angeles, begins his fourth head coaching role in the NHL with a multiyear contract. At 57, McLellan has a considerable coaching resume, boasting a career record of 598-412-134 and has led his teams to the playoffs nine times. His experience includes guiding the Sharks to the Western Conference finals in two consecutive seasons.
McLellan returns to Detroit, where he first entered the NHL as an assistant coach in 2005, and played a role in the Red Wings’ 2008 Stanley Cup championship. His first game in charge will be against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Derek Lalonde has been with the Red Wings for nearly three seasons and achieved a record of 89-86-23. His previous accolades include two Stanley Cup wins as an assistant coach for Tampa Bay.
The Red Wings, despite securing veteran forward Patrick Kane in 2023, have struggled to replicate their former glory, as they face the prospect of entering a ninth consecutive playoff drought. This change marks the fourth coaching shakeup in the NHL this season and highlights the ongoing challenges faced by various teams.
As the Red Wings move forward with McLellan, there is hope that his extensive experience and previous success can help revitalize the team and guide them back towards playoff contention. The spirit of “Hockeytown” endures, and fans will be eager to see if this fresh direction can lead to improved performances on the ice.