As the Detroit Red Wings return from their West Coast failure, there is a desperate need for a different head coach from behind the bench. Let’s discuss part of why a new voice is needed.
Twenty Minutes
There were just 20 minutes remaining in a game that seemed inconsequential to the head coach of the Detroit Red Wings, who were facing the San Jose Sharks, a team sitting at 30th in the standings. The Sharks have allowed 70 goals against, which is the third most in the league.
I mention these facts about the Sharks not to critique their season, but to highlight the opportunity that lay ahead for the Red Wings. In recent seasons, despite their ups and downs, it often felt like no deficit was insurmountable for them.
Perhaps it was the spirited, carefree play of Jake Walman that made a difference, or the impactful presence of David Perron. I admit I didn’t give Perron enough recognition, mostly because I was hoping Jonatan Berggren would secure a consistent role with the Red Wings. However, I came to realize that both players deserved to be in the lineup every night.
According to Sean Shapiro, an insightful journalist covering the Red Wings, the atmosphere in the locker room is quite subdued:
“It’s a very quiet team, essentially made up of introverts and focused professionals. The bigger personalities were effectively removed this summer when David Perron left in free agency and Jake Walman was traded. Coach Lalonde has publicly acknowledged that it’s one of the quietest teams he’s ever been around.”
— Sean Shapiro
This is definitely worth a read.
A Call for Change Behind the Bench
While silence can sometimes be a blessing, these observations raise significant concerns.
Being stuck in one’s own head can be a treacherous place, especially in challenging times. While an individual must ultimately find their own way out of a dark situation, the support of others can help illuminate the path.
Moreover, the personalities of some players may not align with this quiet demeanor.
There might be a difference between how players present themselves publicly and how they are behind closed doors, and that could explain the current environment.
Take someone like Jonatan Berggren, for instance—though he’s not yet a veteran leader, I remember him as a lively presence in the Skellefteå dressing room (his Swedish Hockey League team). He was known for pulling pranks, dancing in the arena, and even conducting playful interviews with his teammates.
The point is, this guy knows how to have fun. To learn that he’s now part of a locker room lacking that energy is not just disappointing but concerning. It frustrates me for Berggren and everyone else in that dressing room—it shouldn’t be this way.
Other young players have showcased vibrant personalities as well; Berggren just happens to come to mind first.
Reflecting on my childhood softball experiences, I remember one season when we were the worst team in the league. Rather than let frustration take over, our coaches emphasized the importance of having fun. Inspired by that mindset, we ended up beating the top team—don’t ask me how. After that victory, we couldn’t be stopped and ultimately won the championship, a memory I’ll cherish forever.
While it’s true that the stakes in the NHL are much higher, the underlying principle remains applicable in any aspect of life:
Never underestimate the importance of having fun.
You can discuss the business side of things or argue that the team isn’t talented enough to win every night, but I believe the opposite is true. Yes, we may have lost key players like Shayne Gostisbehere, the vocal leader in David Perron, and the fun guy in Jake Walman, but there’s no reason this team can’t compete for a full 60 minutes against most opponents.
Ultimately, these players are still engaged in the same game they played as kids. They could have chosen any sport or career, yet they picked ice hockey. They’re incredibly skilled at it, even if I sometimes express my dissatisfaction with certain players or plays, and they’re among the top 1% in their field—something most of us will never achieve.
The silence surrounding the team is deafening.
I’m uncertain if people are hesitant to speak out, whether it’s players, coaches, management, fans, or a combination of these factors, but something feels off.
While some may argue that changing coaches doesn’t matter much at this point—pointing out that it’s a lost season and playoff expectations were low—it’s not playoff success I’m concerned about.
My primary concern is whether the young players are being set on the right path for success in the league over the next three to five years. If the answer is no, then any steps taken further down that path could be detrimental.
The young players might bounce back, but they also might grow accustomed to the silence, feeling that their voices aren’t worthy of being heard. This silence signifies more than just the current state of the team.
Players like Moritz Seider, Simon Edvinsson, and Lucas Raymond are still defining themselves and who they will become.
While we have promising prospects, I believe these three are the most crucial to the team’s rebuilding—essential to the core’s success. If they thrive, the rebuilding plan will succeed; if they underperform, the Detroit Red Wings could face significant challenges.
Some may wonder about Marco Kasper. I had the same thought after mentioning those three names, but I consider Kasper to be a special player. Regardless of his surroundings or coaching staff, I believe he will reach his potential. Of course, having strong players like Patrick Kane or Dylan Larkin around can aid in that development, but I’m not worried about Kasper’s growth.
Then there’s Sebastian Cossa, currently with the Grand Rapids Griffins in the AHL. I don’t have concerns about him either. He’s more vocal and personable than many goalies I’ve seen, which could help break down the silence in the locker room.
Despite the frustration and disappointment of this season, I find myself curious about general manager Steve Yzerman.
We’ve seen the teardown and the gradual rebuilding, and now it’s time to see him work his magic. I still believe in his vision.
I maintain that if Yzerman felt he wasn’t the right person to lead the Red Wings’ rebuild, he would step down. We’ll see if ownership gives him the leeway he needs (I hope they do).
It’s likely that Yzerman will overhaul the NHL coaching staff this season and in the offseason, and I hope the pro scouting department will also see improvements, as it hasn’t been particularly strong. I understand we’re in a rebuilding phase and that Detroit may not be the most appealing city, but there seems to be a breakdown somewhere in the process.
In the short term, I think the head coach has lost faith in his team too often. Instead of fostering an environment of growth and support, players seem hesitant to play their natural game for fear of making mistakes.
Perfection is unattainable, but the Red Wings have players capable of making a difference every shift—players who can recover from errors and possess vibrant personalities that may flourish more if they weren’t being stifled.
It is crucial that Yzerman finds a new head coach as soon as possible. Derek Lalonde may be a great guy, but we need someone different behind the bench—someone who builds confidence and revitalizes struggling players.
This isn’t just about the current season or the playoffs; it’s about the players who will shape the franchise’s future.
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