Derek Lalonde is joining Martin St-Louis behind the Canadiens' bench, and one thing is already clear: Montreal's defensive system is going to change substantially.
This isn't about replacing St-Louis or stripping away his identity. The adjustment is about giving his team another defensive layer after a system that drew criticism for stretches last season.
Montreal leaned heavily on man-to-man coverage, asking defenders and forwards to stay attached to assignments even when opposing players moved through different areas of the ice.
That approach can become difficult against skilled teams. Once forwards rotate, switch positions or drag coverage toward the boards, one missed read can leave dangerous space around the crease.
Lalonde's arrival gives St-Louis an experienced voice to address exactly that part of Montreal's game. His defensive background should influence how the Canadiens defend both at even strength and on special teams.
The biggest change could be moving away from such a strict man-to-man approach and toward a hybrid structure.
Derek Lalonde gives Montreal a new defensive option
That doesn't mean man-to-man coverage disappears. Instead, Montreal can combine individual assignments with zone principles, giving players more freedom to pass off coverage when opponents start moving around.
That distinction matters. The Canadiens won't be starting from scratch under St-Louis. They'll be changing how players read situations once the original defensive assignment breaks down.
Lalonde's presence also gives St-Louis another established coaching voice behind the bench. He arrives as more than a fresh face; he gives Montreal someone capable of directly influencing structure and defensive details.
The Canadiens already have forwards such as Nick Suzuki, Jake Evans and Oliver Kapanen who can handle demanding defensive assignments. Kaiden Guhle gives the blue line another piece capable of playing within a disciplined structure.
Now the coaching staff has to turn those individual strengths into a system that holds together when opponents begin moving the puck quickly.
So yes, there will be changes behind Montreal's bench this season. They won't come through firings or another coaching overhaul.
They'll come through Lalonde's influence on St-Louis' system, with Montreal preparing to defend differently when the puck drops.
Will Derek Lalonde's defensive changes make the Canadiens harder to play against?
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