McLellan hired as Red Wings coach, replaces Lalonde

Todd McLellan was named coach of the Detroit Pink Wings on Thursday.

The 57-year-old, who signed a multiyear contract, replaces Derek Lalonde, who was fired after three seasons.

“I’ve by no means been on this scenario earlier than,” McLellan mentioned Friday. “I have been the man kicked out the door, sadly, however I’ve by no means are available presently. I do know I am unable to overreact, over-teach and over-meet with the gamers — it could simply be an excessive amount of.”

McLellan, who coached the Los Angeles Kings final season earlier than being fired on Feb. 2, is 598-412-134 in 1,144 regular-season video games with the San Jose Sharks, Edmonton Oilers and Kings, and 42-46 in 88 Stanley Cup Playoff video games. He ranks sixth amongst energetic coaches in wins, behind Paul Maurice (891), Lindy Ruff (876), Peter Laviolette (823), John Tortorella (757) and Pete DeBoer (632).

McLellan was 164-130-44 in 5 seasons with the Kings, who certified for the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2022 and 2023, shedding to the Oilers within the first spherical every time.

McLellan was additionally an assistant coach with the Pink Wings from 2005-08, profitable the Stanley Cup with them in 2008.

The Pink Wings additionally fired affiliate coach Bob Boughner on Thursday and named Trent Yawney an assistant. He served in the identical position underneath McLellan with the Kings from 2019-24.

“It has been a irritating begin to the season, we’re simply lacking one thing,” Pink Wings captain Dylan Larkin mentioned. “That is one thing you do not need to occur. I actually like Derek and ‘Boogs’ as guys, however it felt like one thing wanted to occur. Now we transfer ahead and we had an excellent first day with Todd.”

Lalonde, 52, was 89-86-23 in 198 video games with the Pink Wings. He got here to Detroit after 4 seasons as an assistant with the Tampa Bay Lightning and helped them win the Stanley Cup twice (2020, 2021).