Steve Yzerman spoke out about the appointment of Derek Lalonde as Detroit’s head coach.
The 49-year-old American replaces Jeff Blashill, who left the Red Wings at the end of April after seven years with the club.
For the past four years, Lalonde assisted Tampa head coach Jon Cooper, with whom he led the Lightning to Stanley Cup victories in 2020 and 2021.
I am very pleased to announce that Derek will be our new head coach. He has proven himself to be a great coach at all levels.
He has spent the last four seasons in the NHL with a very successful team, Tampa.
We feel he is ready to take the next step in his career – as the head coach of Detroit”, said the general manager of the Red Wings.