A significant step toward solidifying their coaching infrastructure ahead of the 2025–26 NHL season, the Detroit Red Wings have officially announced the hiring of Alex Westlund as the team’s new goaltending coach. The move comes as part of a broader strategic initiative by General Manager Steve Yzerman and Head Coach Derek Lalonde to bolster player development, enhance game-day performance, and align the coaching staff with the evolving needs of a young and hungry roster.
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This latest addition marks the second major hire for the Red Wings’ coaching staff this offseason, following the appointment of veteran assistant coach Brad Shaw earlier in May. With Westlund’s arrival, Detroit has now completed the puzzle for its on-ice bench staff, bringing a mix of seasoned experience and modern coaching techniques that fans hope will elevate the franchise to playoff contention in the coming years.
A Key Piece in the Coaching Puzzle
Alex Westlund’s appointment fills a vacancy left by Jeff Salajko, who departed the team following the conclusion of the 2024–25 campaign. Salajko served in the role for four seasons and played a pivotal part in the development of Detroit’s goaltending tandem, but organizational shifts in focus and performance metrics prompted Yzerman to seek a fresh perspective.
“We are thrilled to welcome Alex to the Red Wings organization,” said General Manager Steve Yzerman in an official team statement. “He brings a wealth of experience in goaltending development and performance optimization. His work with young goaltenders across different leagues has been exemplary, and we believe his approach aligns perfectly with our vision.”
Westlund, a former netminder himself, has previously served in similar roles with the Washington Capitals and the Hershey Bears (AHL). Known for his analytical approach and player-centric development philosophy, he has been credited with helping to fine-tune the mechanics and mental toughness of numerous goalies, including Ilya Samsonov and Hunter Shepard during their developmental years.
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Westlund’s Career and Philosophy
A native of Ohio, Westlund played college hockey at Yale University before embarking on a lengthy pro career that spanned over a decade in North America and Europe. After hanging up his skates, he seamlessly transitioned into coaching and quickly earned a reputation for his ability to break down complex goaltending techniques into digestible, actionable insights.
His coaching resume includes stops in the ECHL, AHL, and NHL systems, where he has mentored both prospects and veterans. Westlund is particularly praised for integrating video analysis, biomechanics, and psychological preparedness into his training routines.
“I’m honored to join an organization with such a rich history and a passionate fanbase,” Westlund said during a Zoom press conference. “Detroit has a lot of promising talent in the pipeline, and I’m looking forward to working closely with our goalies to help them reach their potential. It’s about building trust, refining fundamentals, and preparing them to be difference-makers every night.”
The Red Wings’ Goaltending Landscape
Westlund’s immediate task will be to continue developing 23-year-old Sebastian Cossa, the organization’s highly touted first-round pick from the 2021 NHL Draft. Cossa spent most of last season with the Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL), showing flashes of brilliance but also some inconsistency that’s typical of a young goalie still adjusting to the professional level.
In addition, Ville Husso, who has battled injuries over the past two seasons, remains a crucial figure for the Red Wings. The Finnish netminder is under contract through 2025 and, when healthy, has proven to be a reliable starter. Westlund will also work closely with backup goaltender Alex Lyon, who emerged as a fan favorite with his tenacity and unexpected heroics during key games.
With Westlund on board, there is optimism that the Red Wings can finally find consistency between the pipes a factor that has plagued the team in recent seasons and arguably derailed several promising playoff pushes.
The Broader Coaching Strategy
Westlund’s hiring is not an isolated move, but rather part of a deliberate, comprehensive strategy by Steve Yzerman to mold a coaching staff that can maximize the potential of Detroit’s youthful core. Head Coach Derek Lalonde, entering his third season behind the bench, has emphasized the importance of surrounding players with specialists who bring targeted expertise.
In addition to Westlund and Brad Shaw a defensive specialist known for structuring tight penalty-killing units the Red Wings’ bench now includes:
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- Alex Tanguay, serving as the team’s offensive coordinator and power-play architect. A former NHL star, Tanguay has been instrumental in boosting the team’s production in 5-on-4 situations.
- Bob Boughner, who focuses on player deployment and matchup management, especially during critical late-game scenarios.
- Jay Varady, overseeing systems implementation and line rotations during both home and away games.
The coaching staff now boasts a balance of former players and analytics-driven minds, providing a dynamic environment for both veterans and young players like Lucas Raymond, Moritz Seider, and Marco Kasper.
Fan and Media Reaction
The reaction to Westlund’s hiring has been largely positive across Red Wings fan communities and NHL media circles. Hockey analysts praised Yzerman’s ability to attract top-tier talent to the staff, noting that behind-the-scenes expertise can be just as vital as marquee player acquisitions.
“This is a smart hire,” said Emily Kaplan of ESPN. “Detroit’s goaltending has been a question mark, but Westlund has the kind of technical precision and communication skills that can help Cossa take that next leap.”
On social media, fans expressed hope that this new direction would finally solidify a position that has seen too much turnover and uncertainty in recent years.
“Cossa has all the tools,” wrote one fan on Reddit’s r/DetroitRedWings. “He just needs the right mentor. Westlund could be that guy.
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Looking Ahead
With the coaching staff now complete, the Red Wings turn their focus to the NHL Draft and free agency. Holding the 11th overall pick in this year’s draft, the organization is in a prime position to add another high-upside prospect. Meanwhile, speculation is swirling about potential trades and veteran signings to complement Detroit’s growing nucleus.
For now, though, the hiring of Alex Westlund represents a pivotal moment in the franchise’s ongoing rebuild a quiet but significant upgrade that could ultimately yield big dividends come playoff time.
As the Red Wings prepare to take the next step in their journey back to NHL prominence, it’s clear they are placing their trust in thoughtful, calculated decision-making and in leaders like Westlund who can help turn potential into performance.
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