Red Wings hire Lightning’s Lalonde as new coach

DETROIT — The Detroit Crimson Wings have employed Derek Lalonde to educate their rebuilding staff, hoping the two-time Stanley Cup-winning assistant could make all the appropriate strikes to make the franchise related once more.

Lalonde spent the previous 4 years on Jon Cooper’s workers with the Tampa Bay Lightning, a stretch that included championships in 2020 and ’21 and, most lately, a 3rd consecutive journey to the Stanley Cup Closing.

“He has confirmed himself as a wonderful coach at each degree and has spent the final 4 seasons within the Nationwide Hockey League as a part of a really profitable program in Tampa Bay,” basic supervisor Steve Yzerman stated in a press release. “We really feel he is able to take the following step in his profession as the top coach of the Detroit Crimson Wings.”

Yzerman was GM of the Lightning when he promoted Cooper to his first NHL head-coaching job in 2013. It is the primary time an energetic assistant of Cooper’s has jumped to a head job within the NHL.

“I am able to get to work with our group,” Lalonde stated in a press release. “There is a very brilliant future forward in Detroit.”

Lalonde, 49, like Cooper received a United States Hockey League title with the Inexperienced Bay Gamblers. He coached within the ECHL and American Hockey League earlier than becoming a member of the Lightning.

After a two-month search, Lalonde replaces Jeff Blashill, who didn’t have the staff possibility on his contract picked up after seven seasons. Blashill had a .447 factors proportion, the second-worst within the league over that point — not counting the debut season of the growth Seattle Kraken.

Yzerman did not reveal a lot when he spoke to reporters early within the search, however he did say that being aware of the brand new man in cost can be a plus.

“Derek has a powerful resume, significantly the work he is executed with younger gamers and prospects all through his profession,” president and CEO Chris Ilitch stated in a press release. “We’re excited to have him main the cost behind the Crimson Wings bench. I would additionally prefer to commend Steve and his workers for conducting a really thorough and detailed search course of.”

Detroit has not earned a spot within the playoffs for six consecutive years after being in 25 straight postseasons and successful the Stanley Cup 4 occasions. However Lalonde does have some gamers doubtlessly able to main a turnaround.

Veterans Dylan Larkin, Tyler Bertuzzi and Jakub Vrana are confirmed gamers up entrance, and Lucas Raymond, who was additionally a standout rookie final season, is a promising ahead becoming a member of them within the lineup.

Calder Trophy winner Moritz Seider is ready to anchor the protection for years to return, filling a void that has not been addressed since Nicklas Lidstrom retired a decade in the past.

Yzerman, a Corridor of Fame participant with the Crimson Wings, has a hand-picked coach for the primary time with the once-proud franchise he is main.

After drafting and buying expertise to show Tampa Bay right into a two-time champion and perennial contender, Yzerman has constantly stated it’s going to take time to make Detroit a winner once more and has refused to place timelines on the rebuild.

Lalonde, as rapidly as he can, will intention to deal with the Crimson Wings’ shortcomings subsequent season with relative stability after Blashill coached in recent times with job uncertainty.