Detroit City Wire

DETROIT – With the 2024-25 NHL season approaching, Detroit Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde participated in a live Q&A session with Bally Sports Detroit broadcaster Ken Daniels to discuss the upcoming campaign during an Ilitch Sports + Entertainment colleague gathering on Tuesday.

Before answering questions from IS+E colleagues on the Via concourse at Little Caesars Arena, Lalonde talked about his confidence in the Red Wings following the strides the club made last season.

“Coming to the arena late in the season, those butterflies, you could feel the tension in the room because it mattered,” Lalonde said. “We’re methodically going in the right direction. To see some of the growth in those guys, yes it translates to wins, but it’s very rewarding as a coach.”

In 2023-24, his second season behind Detroit’s bench, Lalonde guided the club to its most wins (41) and points (91) since the 2015-16 campaign. For the Red Wings to build on that success, Lalonde said every player must be more committed to team defense.

“We’re going to ask the group for a little more this year,” Lalonde said. “Those teams that end up at the very end, the experience I had winning Stanley Cups, there was still an emphasis about keeping it out of the net.”

The Red Wings will open their 2024-25 regular-season schedule on Oct. 10 against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Little Caesars Arena. Lalonde expressed excitement about Detroit’s roster potential and eagerness to see how Patrick Kane performs after a full, healthy offseason.

Kane recorded 47 points (20 goals, 27 assists) in 50 games last season after signing a one-year contract with the Red Wings on Nov. 28, following hip resurfacing surgery on June 1, 2023.

“First and foremost, I think it says something about Patrick Kane that he wanted to be here,” Lalonde said about Kane signing a one-year contract extension. “I think he was very clear in the process that he probably had -- and obviously I wasn’t involved in those meetings but talking with Patrick after -- better opportunity, more term and probably more money (in NHL free agency), but he felt part of something here last year.”

While the Red Wings made several changes to their roster this summer, Lalonde expressed excitement about several young returning players who will have an opportunity to take significant steps this season.

“Our room is in a really good spot,” Lalonde said. “We’ve grown immensely over the last couple years on ice, but what you don’t see is how those guys in leadership roles have grown in the locker room. It’s only going to get better.”

Detroit also has emerging talent on its way up from Grand Rapids.

“I had an opportunity to watch Grand Rapids down the stretch (last season),” Lalonde said. “We talk about (Jonatan) Berggren and (Albert) Johansson, but I really like Marco Kasper's growth. I love Carter Mazur…(Nate) Danielson has never let me down yet, although I know it’s a small sample size. You have to push from below. I’m excited about it and think it’s going to be very beneficial for us moving forward.”

Lalonde also took time to thank IS+E colleagues present at Tuesday's event for their dedication and efforts towards creating an optimal atmosphere for players and fans at Little Caesars Arena.

“First and foremost, your job is amazing,” Lalonde said. “But how you’ve treated me – there’s not a single person that I’ve come across that hasn’t treated me with respect…This is special. (Little Caesars Arena) is electric. I came here as an opponent with Tampa Bay; we’re having more success now and building some excitement; it just felt different. I was literally taken aback by the energy in this building.”

---