Red Wings fire Derek Lalonde, hire Todd McLellan as Head Coach

LANSING, Mich. (WILX) - The Detroit Red Wings announced a big change Thursday afternoon as they relieved Head Coach Derek Lalonde and Associate Coach Bob Boughner of their duties effective immediately and named Todd McLellan as the franchise’s 29th Head Coach in history.

Detroit has signed McLellan to a multi-year contract and also hired Trent Yawney as an Assistant Coach. McLellan served as an assistant coach in Detroit from 2005-2008 and was on the coaching staff for the Red Wings most recent Stanley Cup in ‘08. McLellan then went on to his first job as Head Coach with the San Jose Sharks. He has also coached the Edmonton Oilers and most recently the Los Angeles Kings. McLellan has won 598 games in his coaching career.

Red Wings Executive Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman announced the move as the Red Wings are in the midst of a three-game losing streak including an uninspiring 4-0 loss to St. Louis at home Monday night. Detroit is just (13-17-4) so far this season and sit near the bottom of the eastern conference standings.

Derek Lalonde was dismissed after guiding the Red Wings to an (89-86-23) record over the course of two-plus seasons, failing to make the playoffs in each of the last two years. Detroit was Lalonde’s first job as a Head Coach in the NHL after spending time as an assistant with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

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