On Wednesday, Sportsnet reported that the Montreal Canadiens hired Derek Lalonde as assistant coach. The organization has yet to confirm the news.
Lalonde began his NHL career behind the bench as an assistant coach with the Tampa Bay Lightning for the 2018-19 season. During his four years working for Jon Cooper, the Lightning won back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021. He became Detroit’s head coach in 2022, but the club made a change 34 games into his third season after missing the playoffs twice.
Last year, he worked as an assistant under Craig Berube with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He was part of the coaching changes John Chayka announced on Tuesday.
Derek Lalonde will take over Trevor Letowski’s place on Martin St. Louis’ staff. Similar to Alex Burrows at the end of the 2023‑24 season, Sportsnet reports that Letowski plans to step away from the role to spend more time with his family. The Canadiens plan to keep Trevor Letowski in a different role. Marc Bergevin hired Letowski in July 2021 to work with Dominique Ducharme behind the bench. He remained in that role when St. Louis took over.
More Announcements Expected
The Canadiens have not confirmed any additional coaching staff news, but it’s fair to expect more updates before the season begins. Notably, Martin St. Louis’ current contract expires at the conclusion of the 2026-27 season. When meeting the media at the end of the season, Kent Hughes said that talks had not begun, but discussions were coming over the summer.
Also, goalie coach Marco Marciano currently holds the interim goalie coach role. Marco Marciano has held the role since January after more than 12 years with the Canadiens’ AHL affiliates. Jakub Dobes’ season turned around after Marciano’s promotion. He posted a 2.57 GAA and .914 save percentage in 19 regular‑season starts. He also had an excellent post season run with 2.66 goals-against-average and .908 save percentage. Leading up to the coaching change, the rookie goalie had 2.96 goals-against-average and .890 save percentage.
Signings
The Canadiens announced three signings this week:
- On Friday, Bogdan Konyushkov signed a two-year entry level contract. Montreal drafted him in the fourth round (110th overall) in 2023. The 23-year-old defenceman recorded 38 points in 67 games with the Nizhny Novgorod Torpedo. He will remain in the KHL for the upcoming season.
- On Wednesday, Reilly Walsh signed a one-year two-way contract. The New Jersey Devils selected Walsh in the third round (81st overall) in 2017. The 27-year old defenceman recorded 46 points in 68 games with the Nur-Sultan Barys. Prior to spending last season in the KHL, Walsh played five seasons in the AHL.
- On Thursday, Brett Berard signed a one-year two-way contract. The Canadiens acquired Berard on July 1 from the New York Rangers in a deal for William Trudeau. The 23‑year‑old forward went pointless in 13 games with the Rangers last season, and he produced 22 points in 41 games with their AHL affiliate.
