Detroit Red Wings

Details of Red Wings Coaching Change False, But Lalonde is Gone

According to a report by ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski, Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman is trying to get a coaching change approved.

by
Jim Parsons
December 24, 2024

**Update: We apologize for an earlier report in which we mistakenly cited a fake account regarding the reasons behind a potential coaching change in Detroit. While rumors of an imminent coaching decision circulated—and Todd McLellan was indeed hired on Thursday—there is no verified information suggesting that Steve Yzerman sought to move on from Derek Lalonde but was blocked by ownership.

We sincerely apologize to ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski for not recognizing that the account impersonating him was fake. We regret the error and appreciate your understanding.

Our original post has been kept in full for clarity, but again, it turns out this account was not verified and we apologize for not meeting our standards and expectations for citing reputable sources.

According to Greg Wyshynski of ESPN, the Detroit Red Wings are on the verge of making a coaching change. Following the team’s disappointing 4-0 loss to the St. Louis Blues, with the holiday break giving GM Steve Yzerman some time to think it over, speculation is he’s ready to pull the plug on Derek Lalonde.

Hearing whispers that Steve Yzerman is ready for a coaching change in Detroit, however owner Chris Ilitch is hesitant due to the financial impact of a potential buyout. Interesting situation developing… #LGRW
— Greg Wyshynski (@gwyshynksi) December 24, 2024

The defeat to the Blues has fueled discussions about the team’s long-term direction and performance under its current coaching staff.

What may be causing the delay is owner Chris Ilitch’s reluctance to approve a coaching change due to financial concerns. While Yzerman appears dissatisfied with recent results and is eager to make a move, Ilitch is hesitant to pay two coaches. The expenses involved in buying out the current coach’s contract, along with the cost of hiring an experienced replacement, are creating obstacles to approving the change.

Do the Red Wings Think They Can Salvage The Season?

It’s intriguing timing for talk of the coaching chance to surface. There has been chatter most of the year that this might be in the works, but now that the Red Wings are 34 games into the season and seventh in the Atlantic Division, it’s hard to see a scenario where they turn things around.

The team is eight points out of the Wild Card race, and while a new coach might offer them a bump in terms of improved play, would it be enough?

Derek Lalonde coach Red Wings — Derek Lalonde, coach of the Red Wings could be on his way out

As pressure mounts, Red Wings fans are eager to see whether Yzerman can secure the resources needed to make significant changes and get the team back on track. And, if they do make a change, is the coach they bring in supposed to get this team into the playoff mix? Or, is it about finding a coach to move forward with the team after this year?

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