To build a contending team in the modern NHL, a lot of things need to go right. Prospects have to pan out. Free agency signings need to be home runs. Management needs to be on the same page. Above all else, coaching must be airtight, as a bad coach can be the difference between a contender and a pretender.
The Detroit Red Wings have a coach that cares. Todd McLellan has never been one to mince words and has done his best to hold his team accountable throughout the season. In some instances, it can mean reducing (or outright eliminating) ice time from inconsistent players. In others, it means giving opportunities to players that have proven their stuff.
With all that in mind, recent developments of players that have left the system leave a lot of questions for McLellan. Elmer Soderblom, after managing just three points with the Red Wings this season, went on a tear the moment he had an opportunity given to him by the Pittsburgh Penguins. Vladimir Tarasenko, once brought to the Minnesota Wild, returned to 20-goal form the moment he left the Red Wings.
Todd McLellan has proven he's more than capable of coaching an NHL roster. But is he the right fit in Detroit?
Why McLellan might not be the right fit
When McLellan first joined the Red Wings, he was a day and night difference from former head coach Derek Lalonde. He had more fire in his speeches, the players appeared more motivated and they went on a series of multi-game winning streaks. Since then, however, the Red Wings have continued the trend of collapsing in March and failing to clinch a playoff berth. One time is an isolated incident. Two times under your watch is concerning. Four times in a row, however, is a sign of something deeper in the works.
McLellan is able to get everything he needs from his star players. Alex DeBrincat celebrated the best season of his career. Moritz Seider is a bona fide Norris finalist. Where McLellan fails to extract talent, however, is in depth. Players like Michael Rasmussen and J.T. Compher have consistently put up the worst numbers of their career under McLellan's tenure. The effort (or lack thereof) from the depth could certainly be the fault of the players, but it's up to the coach to meet the team where it's at.
Players, McLellan not on same page
There's clearly a disconnect between McLellan's vision and the players' motivation. Throughout the season, disciplined attempts quickly nosedived into passive attempts at dump and chase hockey. Passive comments during post-game interviews suggest that several players are checked out or just not on the same page as McLellan. Where Andrew Copp tried to avoid the issue of "outside noise", McLellan called out that the "outside noise" was actually coming from the extremely valid frustration of fans and absolutely should be considered.
This, coupled with a few underwhelming seasons from young talent, has led many to believe that McLellan just might not be a fit in Detroit. This, again, isn't to say that McLellan isn't a talented coach. He's extremely gifted when put in a position to succeed. Having said that, his ideal play style and the play style most beneficial to the Red Wings just don't match up.
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