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Derek Lalonde

Derek Lalonde is an American professional ice hockey coach.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Derek Lalonde is an American professional ice hockey coach. As of July 2026, he serves as an associate coach with the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL). He previously coached the Detroit Red Wings as head coach and won two Stanley Cups as an assistant coach with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Early life and education

Lalonde was born in Brasher Falls, New York, in 1972. Detailed information about his early life and education is not consistently included in available sources.

Coaching career

Lalonde built his coaching career through junior and minor-league hockey before reaching the NHL. He coached in the USHL, ECHL and AHL before joining the Tampa Bay Lightning as an assistant coach in 2018.

Detroit Red Wings head coach

The Red Wings hired Lalonde as head coach in 2022. He remained in the role until December 2024, when Detroit replaced him during the season.

Montreal Canadiens appointment

In July 2026, the Canadiens named Lalonde as associate coach. The move brought him back to an NHL coaching staff after one season with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Key facts

  • Lalonde was born in Brasher Falls, New York, in 1972.
  • He served as head coach of the Detroit Red Wings from 2022 until December 2024.
  • He worked as an assistant coach with the Tampa Bay Lightning from 2018 to 2022.
  • The Lightning won consecutive Stanley Cups during his tenure in 2020 and 2021.
  • In July 2026, he was appointed associate coach of the Montreal Canadiens.
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Canadian context

He became an NHL coach with Canadian relevance through his 2026 appointment to the Montreal Canadiens, one of Canada’s most prominent hockey teams.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Derek Lalonde?
Derek Lalonde is an American ice hockey coach who has worked in the NHL as an assistant coach and head coach.
What NHL teams has Derek Lalonde coached?
He has coached with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Montreal Canadiens.
Did Derek Lalonde win the Stanley Cup?
Yes. He won two Stanley Cups as an assistant coach with Tampa Bay in 2020 and 2021.
When was Derek Lalonde head coach of the Red Wings?
He was head coach of the Detroit Red Wings from 2022 until December 2024.
Where was Derek Lalonde born?
He was born in Brasher Falls, New York, United States.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derek_Lalonde
    Supports: Birth date, nationality, and overall coaching role
  2. NHL.com / Detroit Red Wings — https://www.nhl.com/redwings/news/derek-lalonde-named-head-coach-334788670
    Supports: Hiring as head coach of the Detroit Red Wings and prior Tampa Bay coaching experience
  3. NHL.com / Montreal Canadiens — https://www.nhl.com/canadiens/news/topic/personnel-moves/derek-lalonde-named-associate-coach-july-20-2026
    Supports: Appointment as associate coach, prior NHL roles, and Stanley Cup wins
  4. Hockey-Reference — https://www.hockey-reference.com/coaches/lalonde99c.html
    Supports: Coaching record and birthplace
  5. The Hockey News — https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/maple-leafs-hire-derek-lalonde-as-assistant-coach-what-he-brings-to-torontos-bench
    Supports: Toronto Maple Leafs assistant coach role