The Score’s Kyle Cushman posted a “hot seat index” for the NHL’s respective coaches, ranking their “hot seat indexes” from 1 to 5, and here’s what he has to say about Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde:
Derek Lalonde, Detroit Red Wings
Hot seat index: 🔥🔥🔥
The Red Wings narrowly missed the playoffs in Lalonde’s second season behind the bench. Detroit enjoyed an 11-point bump to tie the Washington Capitals for the final wild-card spot, only missing out because the former had fewer regulation wins.
Though that’s positive year-over-year improvement, Detroit has now missed the playoffs in eight consecutive campaigns and hasn’t won a playoff round in over a decade. Young stars Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond have graduated from cheap entry-level contracts to big-money extensions. It’s time to take the next step.
After last season’s push, the Red Wings have to break into the playoffs to call the campaign a success. GM Steve Yzerman isn’t going anywhere and, with the roster’s core largely in place, a disappointing year will put Lalonde’s job at risk.
Continued; Lalonde’s on an expiring contract this year, so he will be coaching for his job.
