Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde voices thoughts ahead of NHL Trade Deadline

It was once considered an unofficial holiday for the Detroit Red Wings, but in recent years has been a difficult reminder of where they were in the hierarchy of the National Hockey League. But things appear to be different this time around. 

The Trade Deadline is now less than 48 hours away, and with the Red Wings still occupying the 1st Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference, they're no longer in the position that they've been in the last several seasons of having to sell off assets with an eye on the future. 

Detroit has been linked to several names who are expected to be moved by Friday afternoon, including the likes of Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin and Pittsburgh Penguins forward Jake Guentzel. And not getting the constant barrage of news updates and rumors regarding the Trade Deadline happens to be a consequence of having removed social media in the words of head coach Derek Lalonde. 

"I got off of social media about a year ago, when I started to get, you're the worst coach I've ever seen in the history of earth DMs," Lalonde explained on Wednesday. "This is the one time I wish I was on it, because you kind of get the inside scoops and everything."

However, Lalonde reiterated that he and the rest of the organization has nothing but complete trust in general manager Steve Yzerman.

"We have full trust in Steve," Lalonde said. "It was a similar situation when I was in Tampa. I think it is real when you have a trust in what your manager is doing. I sleep a lot easier at night knowing he is going to do what is best for the organization currently and in the future, too."

It also remains to be seen whether or not the Red Wings will acquire a forward to help compensate for the loss of Dylan Larkin, who will be absent for at least the next two weeks due to injury. The good news is that Larkin has joined his teammates on their road trip that begins tonight with a matchup against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena. 

"I think he wants to be a part of the emotional part of what we are trying to accomplish here," Lalonde said of Larkin. "Being around the team, he's here for the rehab and rest, so it just made sense."

Recommended articles:

• Report: Red Wings willing to acquire and extend veteran blue liner
• GM Steve Yzerman puts halt to monster pending trade in Detroit
• Steve Yzerman reveals when he first knew Patrick Kane was special
• Steve Yzerman hints at Trade Deadline plans
• Report: David Perron's future with Red Wings leaked