The Detroit Red Wings haven’t built off of last season as fans hoped. As many steps forward as we seemed to have taken last season, we seem to have taken as many backward.
Of course, the path to success isn’t a steady, uphill trajectory. There will always be peaks and valleys. However, I think the steps the Detroit Red Wings are taking back are avoidable (or at the very least could have been mitigated better) with a different head coach. I spoke at length about why there’s a demand for a new head coach for the Detroit Red Wings, so I won’t dive into things too far here.
After watching the last handful of games the Detroit Red Wings have played since, my stance has only grown in the need for a change. Aside from everything mentioned already, based on his lineup decisions, media availabilities, and overall demeanor, it seems that head coach Derek Lalonde has lost faith in his players.
No longer do I feel anger for the Lalonde, but rather a sense of pity.
I understand the Detroit Red Wings do not have a playoff team, let alone a Stanley Cup Championship team. This fact doesn’t matter to me as the Detroit Red Wings should be confident in themselves (from the tippy top in management and ownership to the players on the ice). Any team on any given night can beat one another in the National Hockey League (NHL). Certainly, some teams are easier to play against than others, but the parity in the league is undeniable.
To feel that at any moment, the head coach, who is meant to be one of, if not the biggest, members of leadership might not believe in his group is disappointing. I mean no hard feelings toward Lalonde. He seems like a decent human being, but things just aren’t working out for any party involved. Maybe on a team with a better roster or in a more finite position (like a defensive coach) Lalonde’s strengths can flourish as they have previously.
At the same time, I choose to look forward with the Detroit Red Wings to see who might be the best candidate to take over for Lalonde when it comes to fruition. Previously, I have divulged a few candidates who might work. This time around things will get spicier so grab some milk (plant or cow-based) to wash it all down.
Here is another head coach replacement option for Detroit Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde
For reference here is the Twitterverse poll to determine the absolute, 100% outcome of the new head coaching position:
Who replaces Detroit Red Wings head coach? #LGRW
— Octopus Thrower (@OctopusThrower_) November 17, 2024
Let’s dive into the fairytale reunion Hockeytown has died to see since Sergei Fedorov’s unceremonious departure.
After his retirement as a player, Fedorov went on to coach. He found undeniable success. In his first two seasons as a head coach with CSKA Moscow of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), he won a championship. In his 183 games, he recorded a record of 106 wins and 56 losses, with an average win percentage of 0.64. His team scored 527 goals while surrendering 435 goals. In short, Fedorov proved he can coach at a high level and be the best at it.
Things didn’t end on pleasant terms. If Fedorov left on even okay terms, his jersey would be in the rafters. Ownership and management still don’t seem to be able to turn the page with Fedorov, so him coming back seems less likely than we hope.
However, if Fedorov’s contract wasn’t renewed for CSKA and he’s not in another coaching position as we speak, it makes speculation that much more interesting. (His contract was not renew and he is not coaching elsewhere for the time being from what I could find.)
Personally, I think building a winning culture again is the upmost importance for the Detroit Red Wings moving forward. If part of that winning culture could include a man who won three Stanley Cups with the Detroit Red Wings and two KHL championships as a head coach under his belt for Russia’s Red Army team, it begs the question—why not try it?
Out of all available coaches, he has familiarity with management, knows how to win, the ways to build up a winning team, and succeed under pressure.
Nobody says you have to like who you work with or forgive, but moving forward with the best possible outcome for the organization is vital to the next dynasty.
The young players on this team are treading water. Instead of throwing a life ring to them, we could send a yacht.