The Daily: Talbot and McLellan Have History; ASP Nets Hat Trick

When it was announced that Todd McLellan was the new Detroit Red Wings coach, he received a text message from goalie Cam Talbot that simply read: “Again?”

This will be the third time Talbot has played for a McLellan-coached team. He played for McLellan with the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings.  Talbot played well for McLellan last season in Los Angeles until he was fired 48 games into the season. Talbot finished fourth in the Vezina Trophy race when he played for McLellan in Edmonton in 2016-17.

“There is comfort in at least having him,” McLellan said.

New #RedWings coach Todd McLellan at the morning skate before Wings host Toronto (7, ⁦@FanDuelSN_DET⁩) pic.twitter.com/ptDezWsapa

— Ansar Khan (@AnsarKhanMLive) December 27, 2024

Bob Duff’s analysis of the McLellan hiring also drills down on the fact that McLellan was an assistant coach in Detroit’s last season as a player. And when Yzerman began working in Detroit management.

“And when I left to go to Tampa and Todd went to San Jose, we’ve remained in contact,” Yzerman said. “You have friends around the league, colleagues around the league that we, for whatever reason it might just be to run into each other on a social where we talk about our teams, about players, things, you know, about hockey. And I’ve remained in touch with them long. I’ve had a good relationship with them.”

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Detroit prospect defenseman Axel Sandin Pellikka opens the WJC with a hat trick for Swedish team.

Bob Duff explains why Todd McLellan may be the right guy to takeover as Detroit’s new coach

McLellan comes to Detroit with his own right-hand man in Trent Yawney. That’s why Bob Boughner is out.

Red Wings Extra

Todd McLellan will be behind the bench as Detroit head coach for the first time. Detroit faces the Toronto Maple Leafs at 7 p.m. at Little Caesars Arena (7 p.m.). McLellan didn’t arrive in Detroit until 8 p.m. last night. There was no time to have even one practice with his team. Injured Ben defenseman Ben Chiarot and Simon Edvinsson are both expected to play tonight. Cam Talbot, who has played for McLellan in two other NHL stops, will be in Detroit’s net.

Hockey Now Network

New Jersey: GM Tom Fitzgerald facing a difficult decision about whether to trade for additional scoring. New Jersey Devils.

Pittsburgh: Injured defenseman Marcus Pettersson, out with a lower body injury, did join his Penguins team for practice today. Pittsburgh Penguins.