The Detroit Red Wings have spiraled, so the need for a new head coach is ever-increasing. They haven’t been succeeding by nearly any measure. Let’s discuss a few head coaching candidates.
The Detroit Red Wings season isn’t going according to anyone’s plan.
For me, I didn’t expect playoffs or much really. I wanted to watch my guys on the ice have some fun, break some eggs, and provide some entertainment from my mundane life. Instead, I’m watching players who are shells of themselves, who can’t communicate on the ice or bench, and look like they are completely different players than they once were.
Whether a fan is casual or advanced in their ways of the Detroit Red Wings, they have not measured up in any capacity.
There are countless reasons why the Detroit Red Wings head coach needs to be relieved of his duties. I’ve talked about one of my many reasons why here. Of course, with the vacancy, a new face would need to fill it.
A poll was sent out on the Twitterverse to find out who fans might like behind the bench.
Who replaces Detroit Red Wings head coach? #LGRW
— Octopus Thrower (@OctopusThrower_) November 17, 2024
Candidates for Detroit Red Wings Head Coach Deserve Attention
With limited openings available, many candidates were overlooked in the selection process.
The assistant coaches in Detroit are strong contenders. Alex Tanguay, due to his successful power play record and NHL experience, presents a compelling case for consideration. Bob Boughner is another name that warrants discussion. While his penalty kill unit hasn’t performed well, we don’t know how much influence he has over those systems. Boughner does have experience as an NHL head coach, and if the Red Wings are concerned about Lalonde’s direction and their preferred choice isn’t available, either Tanguay or Boughner could step in as interim coaches. My intuition suggests Tanguay may be the frontrunner, as general manager Steve Yzerman seems less focused on NHL head coaching experience, with Tanguay’s recent successes in mind.
Then there’s Igor Larionov, known as “The Professor.” He has been coaching Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod in the KHL since the 2022-2023 season. With a record as a player and coach over 164 games in the NHL, achieving 89 wins, Larionov’s credentials are impressive. Although his coaching potential should be explored, I don’t expect a midseason change.
Now, let’s focus on the bottom two candidates in the previous poll.
David Carle received the fewest votes, but still garnered a notable 5.2% selection rate. For those unfamiliar, Carle is the two-time championship-winning head coach of the University of Denver Pioneers. Here’s a brief overview from the University of Denver’s bio on Carle:
“David Carle is entering his seventh season as the Richard and Kitzia Goodman Hockey Head Coach in 2024-25. He was appointed on May 25, 2018. As the ninth head coach in program history, he has led the Pioneers to five NCAA Tournament appearances, three Frozen Four berths, and national championships in 2022 and 2024 during his first six seasons. The 2024 victory marked Denver’s 10th national title in its 75-year history, setting an NCAA record for the most championships by a college hockey team.”
The bio also details Carle’s own history; he was once a promising defenseman until hypertrophic cardiomyopathy ended his playing career.
They say when one door closes, another opens, and Carle has achieved impressive success as a coach in the NCAA. Transitioning to professional hockey—whether in the NHL or AHL—seems like a logical next step. The timing and the team remain unclear.
Carle might choose to stay with the Denver Pioneers or wait for his dream opportunity, but it appears that a move is on the horizon.
Regardless, Carle has proven himself as a successful head coach adept at developing young players. He knows how to blend veteran and rookie talent, fostering competitiveness and achieving victories—qualities that could be beneficial for the Detroit Red Wings, which currently may not align with their circumstances.
On the other hand, Dan Watson, who received the second-lowest score in the poll, is currently head coach of the Grand Rapids Griffins, the Red Wings’ AHL affiliate.
According to the Grand Rapids Griffins’ website, Watson coached the Toledo Walleye of the ECHL for over 14 years. For those interested in stats, he has a coaching record of 491 games, with 309 wins, 135 losses, 30 overtime losses, and 17 shootout losses. Though he is in just his second season with the Griffins, the team has shown improvement since last year. As Andrew Rinaldi from The Calder Times notes:
With Mazur and Wallinder still on the mend and Kasper up in Detroit, Grand Rapids still climbs to the second spot in AHL power rankings https://t.co/pe9hdHSV3M
— Andrew Rinaldi (@GR_Rinaldi_) November 20, 2024
Not bad for someone in just his second season coaching the Grand Rapids Griffins.
It’s worth mentioning that Watson faced a steep learning curve. During his time in the ECHL, coaching was more about finding enough players for each game rather than focusing on player development or implementing a system. Watson has adapted remarkably well.
But it’s not only about the wins and losses on the ice—players enjoy being coached by Watson. His locker room maintains a positive atmosphere, even during tough times.
Take Jonatan Berggren, for instance, from last season. Although players in similar situations might be unhappy, Watson ensured that Berggren remained challenged in his role while keeping a positive outlook. Their partnership led to significant success.
While Watson may lack extensive formal coaching experience in the AHL and NHL, he has demonstrated his ability to make a quick, positive impact. Many players are already comfortable with him, and those unfamiliar with him likely have had some interaction during training camp.
Watson’s system in Grand Rapids reflects that of the Detroit Red Wings, but it has proven effective. Admittedly, the dynamics change at the NHL level, yet he manages to get players to commit to defense without stifling their offensive skills. Players feel free to express themselves while also holding each other accountable.
The main concern with promoting Watson is finding a suitable replacement in Grand Rapids.
Development in the AHL is crucial for the long-term success of the Detroit Red Wings, but if Watson is indeed the right fit for the team in the NHL, he should be promoted sooner rather than later. However, given the magnitude of such a change, it’s likely he wouldn’t move up until the 2025-26 season, potentially leading to the need for an interim coach.
I believe Watson is the right choice. I’m not certain how long he will stay or the exact outcomes, but I know he brings out the best in his players. He is a voice that resonates with them, capable of reigniting the fading hopes and dreams of the Detroit Red Wings for this season and beyond.
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