Detroit Red Wings
Red Wings Fire Lalonde, Hire Todd McLellan as Head Coach
Todd McLellan has been hired as the new head coach of the Detroit Red Wings, while Derek Lalonde has been relieved of his duties.
The Detroit Red Wings have made a bold move behind the bench, naming Todd McLellan as their new head coach. After months of the team seemingly spinning its wheels under Derek Lalonde, General Manager Steve Yzerman announced the change in coaches on Thursday, signaling a fresh direction for the franchise.
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) December 26, 2024
McLellan brings a wealth of experience, having led the San Jose Sharks, Los Angeles Kings, and Edmonton Oilers, and boasts a Stanley Cup win as an assistant with the Red Wings in 2008.
Joining McLellan’s staff is veteran coach Trent Yawney, who takes on the role of assistant coach. Yawney’s NHL coaching background, including past ties to the Red Wings, adds more familiarity, depth, and experience to the team’s coaching staff.
The changes come as the Red Wings part ways with former head coach Derek Lalonde. Lalonde’s dismissal follows mounting speculation about his effectiveness and growing rumors of a coaching shake-up. With McLellan and Yawney in place, Yzerman appears committed to revitalizing Detroit’s playoff hopes and pushing the team toward long-term success.
We had written earlier this week of a report (which turned out to be false) that Yzerman was looking to remove Lalonde and needed to get ownership approval. It turns out that the news of a coaching change being on the horizon wasn’t false, even if the narrative of a tussle between GM and owner was untrue and the source of that report turned out to be a fake account.
The Red Wings do wind up making the change.
Fans will be eager to see how McLellan’s leadership and strategic approach can reshape the Red Wings as they prepare for the upcoming season.
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