Todd McLellan’s Impact on the Detroit Red Wings: A Month Later

It’s been a month since Todd McLellan took the helm as head coach of the Detroit Red Wings, and the team is soaring. In just 16 games under his guidance, the Red Wings stand at 11-4-1, riding a three-game winning streak as they prepare for their upcoming trip west. While midseason coaching changes often result in immediate gains, Detroit’s sustained success suggests something more fundamental is at play.

1. Marco Kasper’s Breakout on the Top Line

The most impactful change since McLellan’s arrival has been the elevation of Marco Kasper to the top line alongside Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond. Initially, Kasper played fewer minutes under Derek Lalonde, but McLellan positioned him as a wing to complement Larkin and Raymond’s dual scoring prowess.

The move paid off almost instantly. Over the last 10 games, Kasper has scored seven goals and added four assists, boasting a 54 percent five-on-five expected goals share. This placement on the team’s best line, where he faces top competition regularly, has driven Detroit’s offensive output efficiently.

“He’s playing against the top players on a nightly basis,” McLellan commented. “Teams are matching against Larkin’s line, so it forces Kasper to have a sharp game night after night.”

While the line’s defense will need to improve, it currently provides a strong offensive foundation for the Red Wings.

2. Lucas Raymond’s Continued Progress

Lucas Raymond’s recent performance has been nothing short of exceptional. Over the last month, he has accumulated 23 points in 16 games, placing him second in the league with Leon Draisaitl and Nikita Kucherov. His offensive consistency and ability to take over games have made him irreplaceable.

Raymond’s impact extends beyond scoring; he leads not only in points but in his overall contribution to the team. Moritz Seider highlighted Raymond’s versatility, “Him and Dylan are the motors of our lineup right now, driving play and making life hard for the other team.”

The power play, improved to 37.7 percent, has capitalized on Raymond’s creativity and finishing ability. McLellan’s comparison of Raymond to Henrik Zetterberg speaks volumes about his all-around game, competitiveness, and hockey sense.

3. Balancing the Defense Corps

Before McLellan’s coaching change, Detroit relied heavily on its top defense pairing of Moritz Seider and Simon Edvinsson. This reliance left the next two pairs underutilized. McLellan decided to-balanced the lineup, giving more consistent playing time to Albert Johansson and positioning Seider with Ben Chiarot.

This adjustment has seen Johansson perform well next to Edvinsson, while Seider and Chiarot have managed their minutes more effectively. While the team still ranks in the bottom 10 in expected goals against, this balanced look has certainly helped stabilize the Red Wings’ defense.

4. Higher Volume Shooting Approach

Under McLellan, Detroit’s emphasis on shooting has increased significantly. Prior to Christmas, the team ranked 31st in the league with 51.53 shot attempts per 60 minutes at five-on-five. Since McLellan’s hire, that number has surged to 56.66 per 60 minutes. This strategic shift has propelled Detroit’s five-on-five expected goals per 60 from 2.08 to 2.32.

“Obviously, you want chaos in front of the net,” Seider noted. “We’ve been doing a better job of putting pressure on the goaltender’s eyes and making it harder for them.”

5. A Renewed Energy

More critical than strategy or lineup changes is the undeniable shift in energy within the Red Wings organization. McLellan’s arrival brought a new sense of optimism and enthusiasm, evident in both practice and game performances.

“It’s easy to chalk it up to a new coach, but the energy has been consistent even during tough stretches,” Seider explained. Maintaining this level of intensity over the remaining 32 games, especially the 19-game road trip, could be the key to a successful season.

Lucas Raymond nets our first goal of the night in our @xfinity game-changing moment! pic.twitter.com/2Q2moAdUIJ

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) January 28, 2025

As the Red Wings prepare to face challenges ahead, the sum of these changes – Marcos Kasper’s breakout, Lucas Raymond’s continued progress, balanced defense, strategic shooting, and renewed energy – paints a promising picture for their future success.

Stay tuned to see how they navigate the remainder of the season. Let’s cheer for the Red Wings as they continue to impress and challenge for a playoff berth.

What do you think about these changes? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

(Photo: Tim Fuller / Imagn Images)