Derek Lalonde was fired after more than two seasons as coach of the Detroit Red Wings. He was replaced by former Wings assistant coach Todd McLellan.

The team announced this on Thursday, on the third day of the NHL break. The move comes at a time when the Wings are off to a disappointing start, going just 13-17-4 as they near the halfway point of the season.

Lalonde, 52, is in his third year leading the Wings’ bench, having been appointed to the position on June 30, 2022. He achieved a record of 89-86-23.

Yzerman expressed before the start of the season that he wanted to see progress compared to last season, when the Wings fought for a playoff spot until the 82nd game. But the Wings seemed to have taken steps backwards instead: they were mediocre at best at times, show signs of being a competitive team, but too often seem immature and lack energy and execution.