​Former Detroit Red Wings head coach Derek Lalone was dismissed by the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday. Lalonde, who previously served as an assistant to Craig Berube after joining his staff in June 2025, saw Berube himself replaced last month by Jim Hiller, a former Red Wings defenseman and longtime assistant coach. The coaching shake-up in Toronto also saw the departure of former University of Michigan defenseman Mike Van Ryn, with Daniel Alfredsson, the former Red Wings forward, stepping into an assistant role alongside ex-Northern Michigan defenseman Brad Werenka and former Oakland Grizzlies coach John Gruden.
Lalonde’s tenure with the Red Wings began at the start of the 2022-23 season, and over two seasons he posted an 89-86-23 record. Despite the efforts, the team failed to qualify for the playoffs under his watch, leading to his departure and replacement by Todd McLellan on December 26, 2024. After leaving Detroit, Lalonde joined the staff of Craig Berube in June 2025, only to see Berube replaced by Jim Hiller the following month.
Prior to his time in Detroit, Lalonde had a notable coaching resume. He served as an assistant coach for Jon Cooper and the Tampa Bay Lightning, contributing to their back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2020 and 2021. His coaching career also includes international experience with the United States, where he was an assistant coach at the IIHF World Championships in 2023 and 2024.
This overview reflects ongoing shifts within the Maple Leafs’ coaching ranks, illustrating how teams continually recalibrate behind the bench in pursuit of better results. The article originally appeared on The Detroit News and is presented here to provide a comprehensive recap of the coaching moves involving Derek Lalonde and the surrounding personnel changes.