Is Derek Lalonde on the Hot Seat? After the Red Wings missed the postseason in disappointing fashion, many Detroit fans were quick to suggest that coach Derek Lalonde should not be allowed to stay on for the third year of the contract he signed with the team two summers ago. Mar 28, 2024; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Detroit Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde looks on from behind the bench against the Carolina Hurricanes during the second period at PNC Arena [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA1ODk1NjMyMTY1MDIwOTUw/usatsi_22892998.jpg] Mar 28, 2024; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Detroit Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde looks on from behind the bench against the Carolina Hurricanes during the second period at PNC Arena At his end-of-year presser, GM Steve Yzerman was quick and unambiguous in dismissing this suggestion, saying that "there is no lingering question" as to Lalonde's job security. "Not from me," Yzerman continued. "I think we competed hard. I thought there was a lot of energy, a lot of enthusiasm, and a lot of determination amongst the players. Obviously we weren't perfect, but the most important thing I feel from my vantage point is that our players are motivated, our players are determined, there's a good atmosphere within the locker room, and part of that is the coaching staff helps foster that or create that. So overall, I'm happy with the direction we're going, the coaching we have." On the most recent episode of The Silky Mitten State [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/latest-news/red-wings-post-mortem-frozen-four-debrief-the-silky-mitten-state-episode-22], my co-host Connor Earegood and I discussed Lalonde's job security. While neither of us would say it was a perfect season behind the bench from Lalonde, we were in agreement that firing Lalonde would be rash and unjustified by the Red Wings' '23-24 season. That might be a different conversation if Detroit fails to qualify for the '25 postseason, but at least for now, Lalonde has clearly continued to push the Red Wings toward progress—providing the team with a sense of tactical identity and improved results. For an excerpt of that conversation, check out the video featured above. For the full episode, go to Spotify or Apple Podcasts: ALSO FROM THN DETROIT How Should the Red Wings Approach Goaltending this Offseason? [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/latest-news/how-should-the-red-wings-approach-goaltending-this-offseason] After Enduring a Difficult Season, Dylan Larkin Enters Offseason with Playoffs in Focus [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/latest-news/after-enduring-a-difficult-season-dylan-larkin-enters-offseason-with-playoffs-in-focus] Around the League: THN Detroit Picks Stanley Cup Playoffs Brackets [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/game-day/around-the-league-thn-detroit-picks-stanley-cup-playoffs-brackets] Red Wings Season Provides Fun & Optimism Despite the Stinging Conclusion [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/latest-news/red-wings-season-provides-fun-optimism-despite-the-stinging-conclusion] Yzerman's Prospect Update: On Traverse City, Sandin Pellikka, Berggren & Johansson, and Cossa [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/players/yzermans-prospect-update-on-traverse-city-sandin-pellikka-berggren-johansson-and-cossa] "We're Not a Finished Product": Lalonde, Yzerman Keep Focus on Process Over Playoffs [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/latest-news/were-not-a-finished-product-lalonde-yzerman-keep-focus-on-process-over-playoffs]
