The Daily: Walleye Hire Lalonde Guy; Karlsson Right for Penguins?

The Derek Lalonde influence on the Red Wings’ organization extends beyond the confines of the Detroit bench. The Toledo Walleye named Pat Mikesch as the team’s new head coach.

That means both of the Red Wings’ affiliate teams have coaches who used to serve as Lalonde’s assistant.

Mikesch was Lalonde’s assistant when Lalonde coached the Green Bay Gamblers from 2011-14. New Grand Rapids Griffins coach Dan Watson was Lalonde’s assistant when he coached the Toledo Walleye.

Lalonde and Mikesch won a USHL championship together.

“Pat is a diligent work, detailed and organized,” Lalonde said in a statement released by the team. “He will continue the recent success of the Walleye. Great hire by the organization.”

He is replacing Watson in Toledo. Watson spent 14 seasons in Toledo, including the last seven as head coach.

BREAKING: The Toledo Walleye have announced Pat Mikesch as the fourth head coach in franchise history.

Welcome to T-Town, Pat! 🤝

👉 https://t.co/U6k09ksjW3 pic.twitter.com/Zkz1OJROLa

— Toledo Walleye (@ToledoWalleye) July 13, 2023

Prior to joining Green Bay, Mikesch was an assistant coach at his alma mater, Michigan Tech University, from 2004-11.

Red Wings Offseason

Seth Barton recently signed with Hartford in the American Hockey League. His contract with the Red Wings expired on July 1. Grand Rapids Griffins player Chase Pearson also became an unrestricted free agent this summer and he hasn’t yet signed with any team. He joins Pius Suter and Adam Erne on the list of unemployed Red Wings. Pearson played three games for the Red Wings in 2021-22, but played last season with the Griffins

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

• Red Wings free agent acquisitions explain why they chose to come to Detroit.
• Detroit draft pick Andrew Gibson has a full tool box. He projects to be a multi-purpose defenseman.
• The Red Wings will be able to track Trey Augustine‘s progress easily because he will be playing at Michigan State.

NHL Network

Boston: Milan Lucic says he may shed tears of joy on opening night when he is introduced to the crowd. He is emotional about his return to the Boston Bruins

Buffalo: Will K’Andre Miller bridge deal have an impact on Owen Power’s contract? Buffalo Sabres.

Chicago:  New Blackhawks player Nick Foligno still miffed about sitting  out Game 7. Chicago Blackhawks.

Los Angeles: Austin Stanovich weighs in on who were the disappointing players at the Kings’ rookie development camp. Los Angeles Kings.

Montreal: Former Montreal top draft pick Alex Galchenyuk is back on waivers. Montreal Canadiens.

Philadelphia: Flyers GM Daniel Briere talks about how long the rebuild will take. Philadelphia Flyers.

Pittsburgh: Dave Molinari explains why the Penguins’ pursuit of acquiring defenseman Erik Karlsson could be a problem. Pittsburgh Penguins.

Vegas: How coach Bruce Cassidy spent his day with the Stanley Cup. Vegas Golden Knights. 

Washington: GM Brian MacLellan says younger players, including McMichael, have to make the roster this season. Washington Capitals.