The timing, though, couldn't be worse for McLellan and his top assistant, Trent Yawney. Because of the NHL's holiday break, they will be coaching the Red Wings against the Maple Leafs on Friday night without a single practice in charge.

Two days after being fired by the Red Wings, Derek Lalonde thanked general manager Steve Yzerman for the chance to coach the team.

Former Detroit Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde broke his silence and addressed his firing publicly for the first time on Saturday night. Lalonde, who was fired on Thursday following the Red Wings’ 13-17-4 start to the season, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to coach in Detroit and optimism about the team’s trajectory.