The Fourth Period reports that the “Red Wings GM [is] looking at making changes,” and this news should surprise no one:
Like several teams out there, such as the Nashville Predators, Chicago Blackhawks and Calgary Flames, the Red Wings are believed to be in the market for a young, second-line centre, in addition to a top-six scoring winger and upgrades on the blueline.
It is unclear whom the Red Wings are targeting, as management keeps information tight to the vest, but it seems clear Yzerman is exploring his options to improve his team’s position.
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Detroit also ranks last in the NHL on the penalty kill, an area captain Dylan Larkin told reporters on Saturday is a major concern and their inability to manage their PK minutes and shifts has penalized them further.
“We don’t do that well enough, and it costs us,” Larkin admitted. “When you’re tired, you’re giving the other team’s best players looks.”
Another unsuccessful campaign may also result in a coaching change, as rumours over Head Coach Derek Lalonde’s future have recently popped up.
Lalonde, who is in the final year of his contract, was named the 28th head coach in franchise history on June 30, 2022 after spending four seasons as an assistant coach with the Lightning.
Though Joel Quenneville has been linked as a possible candidate to replace Lalonde, multiple league sources have suggested to TFP that the Wings could pursue former Edmonton Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft as an option if the Wings make a change behind the bench.
Wings Associate Coach Bob Boughner, who joined Detroit after serving as Head Coach of the San Jose Sharks, could be instilled as Interim Head Coach if a change occurs mid-season, though some chatter suggests Boughner may also be a casualty if Detroit reshapes its coaching staff.
No surprises here.
