Derek Lalonde is set to return to an NHL coaching position.
The Toronto Maple Leafs announced Friday that they have appointed Derek Lalonde as an assistant coach. His hiring fills the vacancy on the team`s staff that was created following the recent departure of Lane Lambert.
Lambert was named the new head coach of the Seattle Kraken on May 29. He had previously served a single season as an associate coach under Craig Berube.
Lalonde, aged 52, most recently held a head coaching role with the Detroit Red Wings for three seasons, where his record was 89-86-23.
Before his time coaching the Red Wings, Lalonde was an assistant coach for the Tampa Bay Lightning from 2018 through 2022. During his tenure there, he was part of the coaching staff that helped the team secure consecutive Stanley Cup championships in 2020 and 2021.
Prior to making the jump to the NHL, Lalonde gained experience as a head coach in the minor leagues, leading the AHL`s Iowa Wild and the ECHL`s Toledo Walleye.
He also possesses international coaching experience, having served as an assistant coach for the United States national team at the IIHF World Championships in both 2023 and 2024.
