December 1, 2024 | 3:46pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

RED WINGS GM LOOKING AT MAKING CHANGES

Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman

The Detroit Red Wings enter December third-last in the Eastern Conference, ahead of only the Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens, and speculation has started to intensify over possible changes GM Steve Yzerman may be contemplating.

Like several teams out there, such as the Nashville Predators, Chicago Blackhawks and Calgary Flames, the Red Wings are believed to be in the market for a young, second-line centre, in addition to a top-six scoring winger and upgrades on the blueline.

It is unclear whom the Red Wings are targeting, as management keeps information tight to the vest, but it seems clear Yzerman is exploring his options to improve his team’s position.

The Wings have not qualified for the post-season since losing to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first-round of the 2015-16 playoffs. As it currently stands, the team is on pace to miss the playoffs for the ninth consecutive season.

Detroit also ranks last in the NHL on the penalty kill, an area captain Dylan Larkin told reporters on Saturday is a major concern and their inability to manage their PK minutes and shifts has penalized them further.

“We don’t do that well enough, and it costs us,” Larkin admitted. “When you’re tired, you’re giving the other team’s best players looks.”

Another unsuccessful campaign may also result in a coaching change, as rumours over Head Coach Derek Lalonde’s future have recently popped up.

Lalonde, who is in the final year of his contract, was named the 28th head coach in franchise history on June 30, 2022 after spending four seasons as an assistant coach with the Lightning.

Though Joel Quenneville has been linked as a possible candidate to replace Lalonde, multiple league sources have suggested to TFP that the Wings could pursue former Edmonton Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft as an option if the Wings make a change behind the bench.

Wings Associate Coach Bob Boughner, who joined Detroit after serving as Head Coach of the San Jose Sharks, could be instilled as Interim Head Coach if a change occurs mid-season, though some chatter suggests Boughner may also be a casualty if Detroit reshapes its coaching staff.

Meanwhile, Lalonde indicated Saturday that injured goalie Alex Lyon is “unable to even skate” and will continue to be evaluated.