The Detroit Red Wings have made significant changes to their coaching staff as they struggle to find success this season. After starting the year with disappointing results, the team announced the firing of head coach Derek Lalonde and assistant coach Bob Boughner, effective immediately. Taking over the helm is veteran coach Todd McLellan, who returns to the franchise with the goal of revitalizing the struggling organization.
General Manager Steve Yzerman made the announcements on Thursday, December 21, during the NHL holiday break, marking it as the first mid-season coaching change since Harry Neale was relieved of his duties back during the 1985-86 season. McLellan, who previously served the team as an assistant coach when they won the Stanley Cup under Mike Babcock in 2008, has officially become the team's 29th head coach.
Disappointment has echoed throughout the Red Wings' locker room, as they sit near the bottom of the Atlantic Division with a record of 13-17-4. To this point, the team has struggled to build cohesiveness and find their rhythm on the ice. They rank near the bottom of the NHL's offensive stats, with just 2.54 goals scored per game, placing them at 29th overall. This is quite the turnaround from last season's performance when Lalonde guided the team to just miss the playoffs with a record of 41-32-9.
Fans have been vocal about their displeasure, especially after back-to-back losses to the Montreal Canadiens and the team's recent poor performances, such as the 4-0 home loss against the St. Louis Blues. These subpar outings only fueled the urgency for change, and Lalonde’s dismissal shows how rapidly the team’s fortunes have risen and fallen. "Derek Lalonde was fired as coach of the Detroit Red Wings after two-plus seasons,” noted The Detroit Free Press, summarizing the gravity of the situation.
McLellan arrives with considerable experience, possessing a career coaching record of 598 wins, 412 losses, and 134 overtime losses. He has previously led teams such as the San Jose Sharks and the Los Angeles Kings, securing playoff appearances nine times throughout his coaching tenure. His most recent position was with the Kings, who underperformed leading to his firing early this year. Red Wings fans may hope this former NHL player will bring the necessary leadership and skill to bring the team back to its winning ways.
“The Wings are off to another slow start this season,” reported FOX 2, which punctuates the sense of urgency surrounding McLellan's hiring. His immediate goal will be to rejuvenate the lineup and get more consistent scoring, particularly from key veteran players like Patrick Kane, Vladimir Tarasenko, and Andrew Copp, who have combined for only 16 goals this season. With such talented players struggling to find the net, the entire organization hopes McLellan can tweak systems and boost confidence on the ice.
Throughout Lalonde’s time, he was heralded as the individual to complete the Red Wings' long-awaited rebuild after several years of disappointing seasons. Yet, it is evident the team has dug itself too deep early this year, showing inconsistencies and moments of lost execution within games. Although they showcased glimpses of potential, with solid performances against rival teams such as the New Jersey Devils, there were far too many instances where they faltered, leading to serious doubt about their direction.
The offseason proved to be challenging as the team lost four players who contributed significantly to their offense the previous seasons. Free agent signing Tarasenko has struggled with just four goals and 12 points, and re-signed Kane has also been far from his best, finding the back of the net on only five occasions. Added to this trouble are the injuries affecting the team, which has resulted in the Red Wings ranking near the bottom four teams for goals scored per game, as well as having suboptimal goals-against-average and penalty-kill stats.
With McLellan now at the helm, the Red Wings are hoping to turn things around after failing to make the postseason since the 2015-16 season. He will face the monumental challenge of reinvigorated expectations—namely, to push the Red Wings back to their former glory, evoking memories of their 25-season playoff streak prior to their extended absence. With this coaching change, Yzerman and fans alike watch closely for signs of improvement from the franchise they proudly support.
Moving forward, the pressure is undoubtedly on McLellan as he seeks to instill discipline and energy to his roster. The way the team has started should serve as motivation, emphasizing the urgency for on-ice performance to match the organization’s storied history. What can be achieved as the second half of the season approaches, remains to be seen, but hope reigns among fans who desire nothing less than success for their beloved Red Wings.
