Maple Leafs Officially Announce Major Coaching Addition After Lambert Departure

The departure of Lane Lambert left a big hole in the Maple Leafs coaching staff, as part of their newfound defensive identity was lost as quickly as he came in.

But the team has acted quickly to find his replacement, that being former Detroit Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde.

The team announced the decision on their official X account.

Lalonde was fired by the Red Wings midway into the season, and his rapid hiring shows that he was a covered asset for teams this summer.

Amassing a career record of 89-86-23, Lalonde was tasked with helping turn the Red Wings around, and while he didn't find a lot of playoff success; he did a fine job.

Also known for his fiery demeanor, Lalonde fits perfectly into the Craig Berube regime, and is one of the only coaches in recent years to have been ejected from a game.

Lalonde will be tasked with helping the Maple Leafs defense, but his recent concerns with the Red Wings PK might give fans some pause.

It's all a part of Brad Treliving, Craig Berube and Keith Pelley's plan to change the DNA of the Maple Leafs come 2025-26, and the first domino seems to be the addition of Lalonde to the staff.

Lambert leaving is a big hit for the team, but adding a hard-nosed and successful coach in Lalonde, they can at least hope to replicate his success.