DetroitRedWings.com’s Jonathan Mills posted an article discussing the Red Wings’ attempts to establish a new identity under their new coach and new roster as training camp opened today at Centre ICE Arena:
“You can dissect last year’s season any way you want with the defensive deficiency numbers or the holes here and the holes there,” [coach Derek] Lalonde said. “I think Steve (Yzerman) did a great job addressing those with free agency, but this is a group of guys that we feel can skate. We are going to use that as an advantage and potentially an identity for us.”
Lalonde said he “worked very hard trying to get to know the group” this summer.
“We literally worked off a spreadsheet on when we talked to a certain player, what we talked to him about and why,” Lalonde said. “It just forces you to stay on top of it. I think those relationships are vitally important.”
The first-year NHL head coach added that he prioritized building a relationship with captain Dylan Larkin.
“Dylan and I have talked a ton,” Lalonde said. “Even some little projects, something as simple as our travel schedule and hotels. I’ve put a lot on him and talking to the leadership group and getting his feedback.”
Larkin expressed his hope for a competitive training camp, citing that unfamiliarity between players and coaches could be beneficial.
“I was a little nervous today getting on the ice,” Larkin said. “It’s something new and your first day to make a first impression. I think that’s so important for everyone on our team and for the new guys as well. It evens the playing field and it’s gonna be a very competitive camp, but you get a clean slate and new opportunity to impress a new staff.”
Continued, with an update on Oskar Sundqvist’s status as well…
