Montreal Canadiens add Lalonde to coaching staff

7/20/2026

Montreal Canadiens add Derek Lalonde as associate coach to strengthen staff See how the veteran coach’s experience could shape Montreal’s season

The Montreal Canadiens have hired Derek Lalonde as an associate coach, the team announced Monday in Montreal. Lalonde, 53, spent last season as an assistant with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He previously served as head coach of the Detroit Red Wings from 2022 to 2024. He also has more than 20 years of coaching experience across the NHL, American Hockey League, ECHL and USHL. Montreal is set to open the 202627 regular season on Sept. 29 in Toronto against the Maple Leafs.