Derek Lalonde forced to demote Alex Debrincat following issues with longtime linemate Patrick Kane
New issues has forced Detroit Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde to demote forward Alex Debrincat away from his longtime linemate and future Hall Of Famer Patrick Kane.
Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat, who found success together last season, have already been split up in Detroit due to new challenges.
The Detroit Red Wings are off to a strong start in the 2024-25 season, looking to end their eight-year playoff drought after a promising offseason. A key part of their optimism was reuniting Kane and DeBrincat, whose chemistry from their Chicago Blackhawks days carried over to great success last year.
However, things haven't clicked this season. After just two games, the Red Wings have made a change, moving DeBrincat to the second power-play unit while JT Compher has been promoted to the top group.
Before the season Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde mentioned that the power play wasn't a finished product & hinted at possible changes. Now with the power play struggling at just 14.3% which is one of the lowest in the NHL Lalonde has made this surprising adjustment.
While this doesn't necessarily mean Kane and DeBrincat won't play together again, the team is trying different approaches to find success as the season progresses.
