Derek Lalonde speaks out after being fired by Red Wings.

The Detroit Red Wings made a big move this week when they fired head coach Derek Lalonde after the team was once again trending well out of the playoffs ahead of the National Hockey League's Christmas break, and on Saturday the recently fired Lalonde spoke out about the situation through the media.

Lalonde's statement was released on Hockey Night in Canada by NHL insider Elliotte Friedman who commended Lalonde on going out the right way, with Lalonde choosing to thank and praise the Red Wings rather than express any bitterness about being fired during the holiday season.

Lalonde expressed his gratitude to Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman, spoke positively of the Red Wings fan base, and even expressed that he believes the players are capable of turning things around moving forward in his short statement.

"Very appreciative of the opportunity," wrote Lalonde as per Friedman. "Incredibly thankful Steve Yzerman gave me a chance to coach a team like the Detroit Red Wings. You saw the passion of the fanbase when we made a late run last season, and they will be rewarded. They will be in a good spot, with the great young players they have and the ones that are coming."

Lalonde failed to make the playoffs in every season he had behind the Red Wings bench which is admittedly a tough start for a first time coach in the NHL. That being said I suspect that many believe the current construction of the Red Wings roster played a significant role in the team's overall lack of success during Lalonde's tenure behind the bench, blame that falls at the feet of the aforementioned Yzerman.

Only time will tell if newly appointed head coach Todd McLellan will help the team turn their fortunes around moving forward.