Earlier this month, Detroit Red Wings head coach Todd McLellan shared his thoughts on the roster, season expectations and disgruntled former captain Dylan Larkin.
This is what he had to say:
McLellan on the Larkin situation
McLellan began the conference by stating that it's "disappointing" when a skilled player like Larkin asks for a trade. He's letting the front office make those decisions, noting that "coaches don't trade players."
But, with that said, life and hockey are still going to move forward. He differed to the front office to make those decisions and even noted that, "Coaches don't trade players."
He is, however, more than happy to keep Larkin on the roster for the Red Wings, which, as of right now, seems to be the case. McLellan said Larkin is anxious to get back on the ice and earn the trust of his teammates, coaches and the fans.
As far as fans' reactions to Larkin still wearing a Red Wings jersey, McLellan said he has no idea what is coming. He does know that Larkin has the support of his teammates and coaching staff and will have his back this season.
McLellan stresses urgency in preseason
McLellan noted that the preseason is shorter than before. He stressed the need for "early urgency" among his team. The Wings have been in the mix for a playoff spot for the last couple of seasons, then somehow fall apart in March.
McLellan told his team they have a limited amount of time this season. If they are going to push for a playoff spot this year, they have to come out of the gate playing with urgency early
Besides urgency, McLellan said he wants the team to be harder to play against. He wants this group to get pucks out of the defensive zone better and keep the puck in the offensive zone longer.
One of the primary focuses McLellan wants out of the group is playing stronger around the net in both zones. He used the words "tougher" and "firmer" when describing how he wants his team to play around the net this season.
In short: he wants more physicality from his team to wear the opposition down.
How the roster is shaking out
There were some questions about other players on the team besides Larkin. One of them was defenseman Simon Edvinsson, who is a restricted free agent without a contract.
McLellan said they want Simon on the ice as soon as possible. Management and Simon's team are already working on a deal, which has given some Wings fans relief.
Another interesting quote from McLellan was about third-year center Marco Kasper. Wings fans have been waiting to see the 2022 first round pick break out. McLellan praised Kasper and elaborated that he s been playing without any pressure on himself. For the last two seasons, Wings fans have seen flashes of what Kasper could be. Now that he is playing a little bit looser and pressure-free, could this be the year he puts it all together?
The Red Wings began last season with three rookies: Emmitt Finnie, Axel Sandin-Pellikka and Michael Bransegg-Nygard. McLellan said they surprised him last season. This time around, all three guys returned to camp stronger and more confident.
His hope is that more young guys at camp kick down the door and force their way onto the roster.
How McLellan plans to handle the dreaded March slump
Last season, McLellan wouldn't talk about March until March came. Then the Red Wings did what the Red Wings do in March: collapse.
During Thursday's media availability, McLellan said something rather insightful about March. He said that everyone was anticipating the collapse in March all the way back in December.
He said we, as a whole—fans, media, coaches, and players—were counting losses in March before the puck dropped. He expressed to his team and the media that March is a month that comes every season.
If the team does not face the challenge and play to their standards, then they'll be stuck in an all-too-familiar spot.
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