Former NHL defenceman Aaron Ward has had an affinity for the Canadiens, their rebuild and the hiring of head coach Martin St. Louis.
So it comes as no surprise that Ward, a regular analyst and guest on Montreal’s TSN 690 sports radio, fully endorses the Canadiens’ hiring of Derek Lalonde as an associate coach under St. Louis.
“I think this is an incredibly smart move,” Ward told The Gazette by telephone. “This is the perfect marriage of decision-making that’s synonymous with this management group — one that consistently shows themselves thinking long-term.
“You’re equipping your organization and players, the coaching staff and, if Martin St. Louis wants, another voice with a high level of experience that can relate to the stresses, adversity and decision-making processes that he has to undertake as a head coach.”
Ward is in no way suggesting there will be any chasm between Lalonde and St. Louis. It goes without saying St. Louis endorsed the hiring and likely met with Lalonde — who the Canadiens didn’t make available on Monday, when the announcement was made — at least once.
Nonetheless, if any disagreements or problems arise, Ward knows it will be difficult to shield from the players.
Detroit Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde looks on during game against the Blackhawks in Chicago on Nov. 6, 2024. Michael Reaves / Getty Images
“There’s going to be a level of comprehension coming from Lalonde,” Ward said. “If Martin St. Louis is open to it, this will be another sounding board. This is deeper and more experienced talent than St. Louis has ever had. It’s going to involve more management of the players. The organization and staff’s being equipped with assets that are appropriate for the stage the team’s at.
“St. Louis can now fine-tune what he wants to focus on as the head coach, not feel like he’s the complete manager. A good leader sometimes has to trust his (staff). You have to learn to let go at times so you can focus on what truly matters, give more attention to things required.”
Lalonde, 53, has over two decades of coaching experience. As an assistant with Tampa Bay, he helped the Lightning win consecutive Stanley Cups in 2020 and ’21. He was named Detroit’s head coach the following season, but lasted only two years. Lalonde was an assistant with Toronto last season. He has also coached in the AHL, ECHL and USHL.
Lalonde replaces Trevor Letowski behind the Canadiens’ bench. Letowski briefly replaced St. Louis on an interim basis in March 2024 while the head coach dealt with a family matter.
Ward — a three-time Cup champion who played more than 800 games for Detroit, Carolina, the New York Rangers, Boston and Anaheim — said Lalonde is highly regarded throughout the NHL. He believes Lalonde was the victim of circumstances in Detroit, inheriting a Red Wings team devoid of talent and depth.
The fact Lalonde was named an associate under St. Louis, and not an assistant, simply shows a sign of respect, according to Ward.
“This is a sign to the players. This guy comes in with a high level of respect,” Ward said. “Every assistant coach earns the respect over time. Whether an associate or assistant, you have to earn the trust of the players. That’s the first and utmost job.”
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While the Canadiens shocked many throughout the NHL by reaching the Eastern Conference final before losing in five games to Carolina — the eventual Cup winners — Ward doesn’t believe they were outclassed, stating every team must learn through adversity. Another level needs to be reached during the playoffs, he added.
Ward said there will clearly be pressure and expectations on the organization heading into a new season. If teams took the Canadiens for granted, that will no longer be the case, he added.
Are the Canadiens up to the task in what could be the NHL’s toughest division? Ward said it’s too early to speculate. However, given the pool of free agents that were available this month — combined with president of hockey operations Jeff Gorton and general manager Kent Hughes never making rash decisions — Ward’s not surprised by their level of inactivity.
“Until you get to September and see how the roster plays out, it’s tough to prognosticate,” Ward said. “What do they believe about themselves? They’re not in the same place. This team should have expectations of themselves.
“They should challenge for the top three spots in the division.”