Red Wings spread leadership duties through regular group meetings
Todd McLellan says Detroit is sharing responsibility across the dressing room as it plays without a captain.
The Detroit Red Wings are using regular leadership meetings to share responsibility across a team that has no captain, coach Todd McLellan told NHL.com in a report on Monday’s leadership meeting.
Detroit aims to hold the meetings every week to 10 days, depending on its schedule. Monday’s group comprised Ben Chiarot, Alex DeBrincat, Justin Faulk, Keegan Kolesar and Moritz Seider. Alternate captain Lucas Raymond missed the gathering because he had a maintenance day.
McLellan said leadership can involve performance on the ice, organising activities away from the rink or communicating with coaches. He wants several players to contribute rather than rely on a single captain.
DeBrincat has arranged golf outings and a gathering to watch the Detroit Lions at Cosm Detroit. The coaching staff organised paintball, while the equipment staff created a black vest for players to award after victories.
Seider said players are encouraged to approach McLellan directly when they need to discuss a problem. DeBrincat said the group also addresses its own mistakes in the dressing room and holds teammates accountable.
DeBrincat said Dylan Larkin still contributes as a leader despite losing the captaincy after requesting a trade.
