By The Canadian Press

The Canadian Press

Posted July 20, 2026 10:27 am

1 min read

Descrease article font size

Increase article font size

MONTREAL – The Montreal Canadiens have hired Derek Lalonde as an associate coach, the team announced Monday.

The 53-year-old spent last season as an assistant with the Toronto Maple Leafs after serving as head coach of the Detroit Red Wings from 2022-24.

Related Videos

4:34
Toronto Maple Leafs prepare for first round draft pick

Previous Video
Next Video

Lalonde was previously an assistant with the Tampa Bay Lightning, helping the club win back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021.

Story continues below advertisement

He has more than 20 years of coaching experience, including stops in the American Hockey League, ECHL and USHL.

Get breaking National news

Get breaking Canada news delivered to your inbox as it happens so you won't miss a trending story.

The Canadiens reached the Eastern Conference final last season before losing to the Carolina Hurricanes in five games.

More on Sports
More videos

Montreal opens the 2026-27 regular season Sept. 29 against the Maple Leafs in Toronto.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 20, 2026.

© 2026 The Canadian Press