On Friday, the Toronto Maple Leafs hired Derek Lalonde as an assistant coach, marking the next step in his coaching journey after a stint with the Detroit Red Wings. But Lalonde didn’t let his time away from the bench go to waste. Instead, he used the media spotlight to stay relevant and connected to the hockey community.
Lalonde’s Time with the Red Wings
Lalonde, who had served as the head coach of the Detroit Red Wings for three seasons, was dismissed in December after an 89-86-23 record. While his tenure with the Wings didn’t lead to a playoff berth, it wasn’t all negative. Lalonde had previously enjoyed success as an assistant coach with the Tampa Bay Lightning, helping them win back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2020 and 2021. Despite the setback with Detroit, Lalonde remained in the spotlight, ready for his next opportunity.
The Media Lifeline
Instead of staying out of the public eye, Lalonde took on a role as an analyst for Sportsnet. He provided insights during the NHL trade deadline and also worked select games during the Stanley Cup playoffs. Even while still coaching the Red Wings, Lalonde was a regular analyst on Sportsnet, including during the 2023 playoffs when the Toronto Maple Leafs faced the Tampa Bay Lightning. His presence on TV was a smart move, keeping his name in the conversation and allowing fans to see his personality and hockey knowledge up close.
A Common Path for Coaches
Lalonde isn’t the first coach to turn to broadcasting during a break between coaching jobs. NHL coaching legends like John Tortorella, Rick Tocchet, and Bruce Boudreau have all spent time as analysts between coaching stints. Tortorella, known for his no-nonsense attitude, worked for both TSN and ESPN, while Tocchet was seen on TNT before the Vancouver Canucks hired him in 2023. Boudreau also worked as a media analyst, primarily on TSN, but also appeared on shows like The Hockey News Big Show.
Being an analyst offers coaches a chance to stay involved in the game, keeping their profiles high and showing off their hockey acumen and personality to the public. For Lalonde, this media gig was more than just a stopgap; it kept him in the hockey community’s eye and made him a more familiar name to fans and executives alike.
The Maple Leafs Connection
Now, with his new role as an assistant coach with the Maple Leafs, Lalonde is stepping into a highly visible position in Toronto’s hockey-mad market. His new job will bring him even more recognition, just as it did for Lane Lambert, the assistant coach Lalonde replaced. Lambert’s year as an assistant coach with the Leafs helped raise his profile, and he was soon hired as the head coach of the Seattle Kraken. Lalonde no doubt hopes for a similar career boost in his new position.
Coaches and Media: A Symbiotic Relationship
The coaching world can be brutal, with many coaches getting fired or shuffled around quickly. However, the media provides an opportunity to stay relevant in the hockey world, with broadcasters always looking for fresh perspectives from those who have been behind the bench. Lalonde’s time as a media analyst not only helped him maintain his visibility but also kept his name in the conversation for future coaching opportunities.
For Lalonde, the time spent in front of the camera was more than just a side job. It gave him a chance to showcase his knowledge, build his brand, and stay connected to the hockey world while awaiting his next coaching gig. Now, with a new role with the Maple Leafs, he has another shot at revitalizing his coaching career.
