The Detroit Red Wings announced on Thursday the dismissal of head coach Derek Lalonde and the hiring of Todd McLellan as his replacement. The decision marks a significant move by general manager Steve Yzerman amid a season that has failed to meet expectations in the famed “Hockeytown“.
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The change comes after the Red Wings suffered a three-game losing streak and dropped nine of their last 12 games. The team holds a 13-17-4 record this season, sitting just above the Buffalo Sabres in the Eastern Conference standings.
Todd McLellan, 57, signed a multi-year contract to take over the team. This will be his fourth head coaching role in the NHL, following tenures with the San Jose Sharks, Edmonton Oilers, and Los Angeles Kings. McLellan brings extensive experience, including a career record of 598 wins, 412 losses, and 134 ties, and has led his teams to the playoffs nine times. His resume also features two Western Conference Finals appearances with the Sharks in 2010 and 2011.
McLellan returns to Detroit after beginning his NHL journey as an assistant coach with the Red Wings in 2005. He was part of the coaching staff led by Mike Babcock that secured the Stanley Cup title in 2008. His first challenge as head coach will be against the Toronto Maple Leafs in a home game this Friday.
Derek Lalonde, 52, leaves the position with a 89-86-23 record in nearly three seasons with the Red Wings. He previously won two Stanley Cups as an assistant coach with the Tampa Bay Lightning before joining Detroit. The change also includes the dismissal of assistant coach Bob Boughner and the hiring of Trent Yawney to join McLellan’s new staff.
Source and images: Instagram @detroitredwings. This content was created with AI assistance and reviewed by the editorial team.
