Montreal Canadiens add former Red Wings bench boss Derek Lalonde to coaching staff

Detroit Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde, standing, watches during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the St. Louis Blues, Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Jose Juarez)

MONTREAL — The Montreal Canadiens have hired Derek Lalonde as an associate coach, the team announced Monday.

The 53-year-old spent last season as an assistant with the Toronto Maple Leafs after serving as head coach of the Detroit Red Wings from 2022-24.

Lalonde was previously an assistant with the Tampa Bay Lightning, helping the club win back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021.

He has more than 20 years of coaching experience, including stops in the American Hockey League, ECHL and USHL.

The Canadiens reached the Eastern Conference final last season before losing to the Carolina Hurricanes in five games.

Montreal opens the 2026-27 regular season Sept. 29 against the Maple Leafs in Toronto.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 20, 2026.