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.

Lalonde expressed his confidence in the Red Wings during a conversation with IS+E colleagues on the Via concourse at Little Caesars Arena. He mentioned the progress the team made last season as a reason for his optimism.

Lalonde expressed the significance of arriving at the arena during the end of the season, as the tension in the room was palpable. He mentioned that the team is steadily progressing in the correct path. Witnessing the development of the players is not just reflected in their victories, but also brings immense satisfaction as a coach.

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— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) July 15, 2024

During the 2023-24 season, Lalonde, in his second year as the head coach for Detroit, led the team to its highest number of wins (41) and points (91) since the 2015-16 season. To ensure further progress, Lalonde, the 51-year-old coach, emphasized the importance of every player dedicating themselves to team defense.

Lalonde expressed that this year, we plan to request a bit more from the group. He emphasized the importance of preventing goals, drawing from his experience of winning Stanley Cups, and mentioned that even teams that reach the final stages prioritize defensive tactics.

On October 10th, the Red Wings are set to kick off their regular-season schedule for the 2024-25 season at Little Caesars Arena against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Lalonde expressed his anticipation for Detroit’s lineup and specifically mentioned his excitement to witness Patrick Kane’s performance following a complete and injury-free offseason.

After undergoing hip resurfacing surgery on June 1, 2023, Kane signed a one-year contract with the Red Wings on Nov. 28. He managed to record an impressive 47 points (20 goals, 27 assists) in just 50 games during the last season.

Lalonde expressed his admiration for Patrick Kane’s decision to sign a one-year contract extension, highlighting his commitment to the team. Lalonde acknowledged that while he was not present during the negotiations, he believes Kane had the chance for better opportunities, longer-term commitments, and potentially more money in NHL free agency. However, Kane’s choice to stay with the current team suggests that he values being an integral part of the team’s progress and success.

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Despite making several changes to their roster this summer, the Red Wings’ Lalonde expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming season as he sees potential in numerous young players who are returning and have the chance to progress further.

Lalonde expressed his satisfaction with our room’s location, stating that we have made significant progress on the ice in the past few years. However, he emphasized that the growth of the individuals in leadership positions within the locker room often goes unnoticed. Lalonde is confident that things will only continue to improve.

According to Lalonde, there is also emerging talent on the rise in Detroit.

Lalonde expressed his excitement about the chance to observe Grand Rapids during the final stretch of the previous season. While acknowledging the talent of players like Berggren and Johansson, Lalonde also highlighted his appreciation for Marco Kasper’s development and his admiration for Carter Mazur. Lalonde shared his positive experiences with Nate Danielson, although he acknowledged the limited exposure he has had to him. Recognizing the importance of starting from the bottom, Lalonde expressed his enthusiasm for the team’s future and the potential benefits it will bring.

On Tuesday, Lalonde expressed his gratitude towards the IS+E colleagues present and praised them for their kindness, hard work, and unwavering commitment in ensuring an exceptional environment for the players and fans at Little Caesars Arena.

Lalonde expressed his admiration for the incredible work being done in the job and emphasized the exceptional treatment he has received from everyone he has encountered. The atmosphere at Little Caesars Arena was described as electric, leaving Lalonde pleasantly surprised by the immense energy and unique vibe he experienced while visiting as an opponent with Tampa Bay. Despite their current success and growing excitement, he felt that there was something truly special about the arena.