\u201cI think this is an incredibly smart move,\u201d Ward told The Gazette by telephone. \u201cThis is the perfect marriage of decision-making that\u2019s synonymous with this management group \u2014\u00a0one that consistently shows themselves thinking long-term.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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 \u2014 who the Canadiens didn\u2019t make available on Monday, when the announcement was made \u2014 at least once.<\/p>\n
Nonetheless, if any disagreements or problems arise, Ward knows it will be difficult to shield from the players.<\/p>\n
![\"Detroit](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/0724-spt-canadiens-2026-1.jpg\")
Detroit Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde looks on during game against the Blackhawks in Chicago on Nov. 6, 2024. Michael Reaves \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s going to be a level of comprehension coming from Lalonde,\u201d Ward said. \u201cIf 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\u2019s going to involve more management of the players. The organization and staff\u2019s being equipped with assets that are appropriate for the stage the team\u2019s at.<\/p>\n
\u201cSt. Louis can now fine-tune what he wants to focus on as the head coach, not feel like he\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lalonde, 53, has over two decades of coaching experience<\/a>. As an assistant with Tampa Bay, he helped the Lightning win consecutive Stanley Cups in 2020 and \u201921. He was named Detroit\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Lalonde replaces Trevor Letowski<\/a> behind the Canadiens\u2019 bench. Letowski briefly replaced St. Louis on an interim basis in March 2024 while the head coach dealt with a family matter.<\/p>\n Ward \u2014 a three-time Cup champion who played more than 800 games<\/a> for Detroit, Carolina, the New York Rangers, Boston and Anaheim \u2014 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.<\/p>\n The fact Lalonde was named an associate under St. Louis, and not an assistant, simply shows a sign of respect, according to Ward.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is a sign to the players. This guy comes in with a high level of respect,\u201d Ward said. \u201cEvery assistant coach earns the respect over time. Whether an associate or assistant, you have to earn the trust of the players. That\u2019s the first and utmost job.\u201d<\/p>\n \t\tEditor\u2019s Picks\t<\/p>\n While the Canadiens shocked many throughout the NHL by reaching the Eastern Conference final before losing in five games to Carolina \u2014\u00a0the eventual Cup winners \u2014\u00a0Ward doesn\u2019t believe they were outclassed, stating every team must learn through adversity. Another level needs to be reached during the playoffs, he added.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Are the Canadiens up to the task in what could be the NHL\u2019s toughest division? Ward said it\u2019s too early to speculate. However, given the pool of free agents that were available this month \u2014\u00a0combined with president of hockey operations Jeff Gorton and general manager Kent Hughes<\/a> never making rash decisions \u2014\u00a0Ward\u2019s not surprised by their level of inactivity.<\/p>\n \u201cUntil you get to September and see how the roster plays out, it\u2019s tough to prognosticate,\u201d Ward said. \u201cWhat do they believe about themselves? They\u2019re not in the same place. This team should have expectations of themselves.<\/p>\n \u201cThey should challenge for the top three spots in the division.\u201d<\/p>\n