from Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News,

"I have no problem admitting this has been extremely difficult," Lalonde said. "The way we were trending pre (trade) deadline — and I'm going to sound repetitive on this — a handful of days before the deadline we'd won seven of eight (games) and we were above the playoff line and we had games in hand. We were in such a good position, and then within a week — and we did the right thing 100% with what we're up against in this division — but within one week we literally flipped out through injury and trade six or seven core guys."...

"We have an exciting core," Lalonde said. "Yes, it's been very difficult because as a coach we want it now. But at the same time, I've been happy. It's been fairly rewarding of late."...

"Our guys have bought in and are being competitive, so it's been very rewarding," Lalonde said.

There's about six months before training camp begins for the 2023-24 season, and there likely will be personnel changes on the roster. But, also, the expectations are likely to be a little higher for the Wings.

Lalonde said next season will be a "fresh start."

"Our goalie coach said it perfectly the other day. This year we started on the goal line and next year we'll be at the 50-yard line," Lalonde said. "For me, it made sense. We have a long way to go, and we're still a product of our division, as (general manager) Steve (Yzerman) mentioned at the trade deadline. It's one thing to have Boston, Toronto and Tampa in your division, but what Ottawa, Buffalo and even Montreal are doing and where they're in their rebuild and their talent, it's just that those teams have drafted higher, and more, than us.

"We have to work to do. To say where we're going to be next year, I don't know. Expectations will change a little bit. But it'll still be a lot of work."

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