Red Wings Fire Derek Lalonde, Hire Todd McLellan

Red Wings Fire Derek Lalonde, Hire Todd McLellan

We’re in the middle of the holiday roster freeze but I guess that doesn’t preclude coaches from being sacked. The Red Wings are blaming this mess on head coach Derek Lalonde and he’s subsequently been fired. Detroit has already named former Kings head coach Todd McLellan as the replacement.

All of the details were released by the Wings team account:

VIA the Red Wings team website:

“DETROIT – Detroit Red Wings Executive Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman today announced that the team has named Todd McLellan the 29th Head Coach in franchise history and signed him to a multi-year contract. Additionally, the Red Wings have hired Trent Yawney as an Assistant Coach.”

“Head Coach Derek Lalonde and Associate Coach Bob Boughner have been relieved of their coaching duties, effective immediately.”

This move shouldn’t really be viewed as surprising. We noted here that Lalonde has been on the hot seat for a good period of time now. The least surprising part is that this is another team who takes the route of blaming the coach over the person who constructed the roster. Like many teams, does it matter who the coach is when your roster is completely flawed?

At the time of the firing, Detroit currently has 30 points in 34 games with a record of 13-17-4, which is good enough for 7th place in the Atlantic division. The positive news is that the season is far from over and the Wings are just eight points out of a playoff spot.

We’re going to find out if McLellan makes a difference. If not, maybe it’s time to point the finger at Stevie Y…

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