The Toronto Maple Leafs have made a strategic addition to their coaching staff by hiring Derek Lalonde, the former head coach of the Detroit Red Wings, as an assistant coach under Craig Berube. Lalonde, who has a notable history of success as an assistant coach with the Tampa Bay Lightning—where he contributed to their back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 2020 and 2021—brings valuable expertise at the NHL level. His tenure with the Red Wings ended with an 89-86-23 record, but his prior experience spans various leagues, including stints in the AHL and ECHL.

With Lalonde joining the likes of Mike Van Ryn and Marc Savard, he aims to enhance Toronto’s chances for success following Lane Lambert's departure to Seattle. The Maple Leafs are seeking to build a formidable coaching team to maximize their talented roster, and Lalonde’s experience with international teams at the world championships should further enrich their strategy as they pursue a championship.