Montreal Canadiens add Lalonde to coaching staff

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

• Toronto Maple Leafs prepare for first round draft pick
• Toronto Marlies celebrate Calder Cup win
• Big changes are coming to the Toronto Maple Leafs
• Toronto Maple Leafs win the NHL draft lottery
• Toronto Maple Leafs franchise legend Mats Sundin returns as senior advisor to new GM John Chayka
• MLSE defends new management hires during Toronto Maple Leafs press conference
• Blue Jays buzz lifts Toronto economy amid Leafs disappointment
• Toronto Maple Leafs hold state of the union amid middle of winless skid
• Nazem Kadri reflects on surpassing 1,000 game milestone
• Toronto sports fans prepare for double-header of Leafs, Blue Jays game tonight

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.

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

Get daily National news

Get daily Canada news delivered to your inbox so you'll never miss the day's top stories.

Sign up for daily National newsletter Get Started

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

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

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.