2 members of the Detroit Red Wings make their true feelings on Todd McLellan known
Photo credit: Octopus Thrower
A pair of Red Wings players spoke their true feelings on the influence that new coach Todd McLellan had on the team following Derek Lalonde's termination on December 26.
In a change that was badly needed, the Detroit Red Wings terminated coach Derek Lalonde, along with assistant coach Bob Boughner, in late December after starting the year with a dismal 13-17-4 record.
In their place, GM Steve Yzerman hired former Stanley Cup-winning assistant coach Todd McLellan; he also brought in McLellan's longtime assistant coach, Trent Yawney.
While the move paid immediate dividends with a pair of separate 7-game winning streaks, the Red Wings faltered in March once again and failed to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
A pair of Red Wings players in Andrew Copp and Dylan Larkin have spoken honestly on the positive impact and influence that McLellan brought to the team in late December.
Copp called McLellan a "real leader":
It's tough when you're not playing because you're not in the fight. You don't know the intricacies of the meetings or what's going on on the bench. But from what I experienced, [McLellan] was a real leader. He got us going and held us accountable, but also empowered the team and trusted us to play instinctively.
As for Larkin, he felt McLellan was "impressive" and believes that a full year behind the bench will pay long-term dividends for the Red Wings.
Todd is a really good coach, and I've been very impressed with him. A full training camp with our group-especially with our young guys and core-will be incredibly valuable. I think Todd is really going to help turn this thing around.
Previously on Red Wings Insider
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 24 | 168 ANSWERS 2 members of the Detroit Red Wings make their true feelings on Todd McLellan known Can a full year of Todd McLellan lead the Red Wings back to the playoffs in 2026? | ||
| Yes | 151 | 89.9 % |
| No | 17 | 10.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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