from Bob Wojnowski of the Detroit News,
This is not Yzerman trying to recreate history. This is Yzerman knowing how important communication and relationships are, especially with a young team still facing a long slog to contention. There were no instant fixes, even with experienced coaches available. Yzerman looked around and settled on what he’d seen before, a coach who’d won on several levels and was ready for the next level.
The hire might resemble the one Yzerman made in 2013 when he appointed Cooper to his first NHL head-coaching job. The connection to another first-timer is unavoidable, although when Yzerman introduced Lalonde on Friday at Little Caesars Arena, he didn’t belabor it.
“What I like is, he’s going to be himself,” Yzerman said. “I expect him to do things his way, not necessarily the Tampa Bay Lightning way, or the Jon Cooper way. I think Derek is bright enough, and he’s gotten to where he is by adjusting, by learning and growing from his experiences. And I think his time in Tampa will make him an even better coach.”
The Wings’ tedious rebuild wasn’t derailed by previous coach Jeff Blashill, but after seven seasons, it had stalled. The team still isn’t ready for a win-now coach, but it also isn’t in position to take a shot at a complete unknown from the minor leagues.
In many sports, coaching hires sometimes alternate between tough guy and nice guy. For the Wings, Scotty Bowman was a tough guy. Dave Lewis was a nice guy. Mike Babcock was a tough guy. Blashill was a nice guy.
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