Former Detroit Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde breaks silence after being fired
The Detroit Red Wings parted ways with head coach Derek Lalonde earlier in the week following a 13-17-4 start, and now he's broken his silence.
After a 13-17-4 start to the year, Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman decided that a massive change needed to be made with his club.
He dismissed head coach Derek Lalonde along with assistant coach Bob Boughner, while hiring Todd McLellan as head coach and Trent Yawney as assistant coach.
And now, Lalonde has broken his silence and released a statement voicing his gratitude not only to Yzerman but also complimenting the fan base.
Very appreciative of the opportunity. Incredibly thankful Steve Yzerman gave me a chance to coach a team like the Detroit Red Wings. You saw the passion of the fanbase when we made a late run last season, and they will be rewarded.
They will be in a good spot, with the great young players they have and the ones that are coming.
Derek Lalonde was dismissed nearly halfway into his 3rd year as coach
The Red Wings hired Lalonde in 2022 after he helped the Tampa Bay Lightning win the Stanley Cup in back to back years along with a 3rd straight trip to the Stanley Cup Final in which they ultimately fell short.
During his time with the Red Wings, he went 89-86-23; Detroit missed the playoffs in both of his years in Detroit. This year, the Red Wings are once again trending toward missing out on the postseason unless McLellan is able to turn things around in a hurry.
POLL |
DECEMBRE 28 | 216 ANSWERS Former Detroit Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde breaks silence after being fired Should Derek Lalonde have been fired sooner by GM Steve Yzerman? |
Yes | 194 | 89.8 % |
No | 22 | 10.2 % |
List of polls |
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