Cam Talbot drops 1-word reaction to Red Wings coach Todd McLellan after reuniting for third time 

Detroit Red Wings goaltender Cam Talbot jokingly dropped a one-word reaction upon learning that Todd McLellan would be taking over the helm in Detroit.

According to WXYZ Detroit's Brad Galli, Talbot texted Todd McLellan with a playful message that simply read:

“Again!?”

The text made light of the fact that McLellan and Talbot will be reunited for a third time in the NHL. The first time the pair worked together was with the Edmonton Oilers. Talbot played for the Oilers from 2015 to 2019. Meanwhile, McLellan coached the Oilers during the same period.

The second time Talbot and McLellan worked together was in Los Angeles. Talbot played last season in Tinseltown while McLellan coached the Kings from 2019 to 2024.

Now, the duo meet for a third time. On this occasion, they join forces in Detroit. The reunion became official when the Red Wings hired McLellan to coach the club following Derek Lalonde’s dismissal following Christmas.

McLellan will be tasked with turning the Red Wings’ season around. The team has struggled thus far, posting a 13-17-4 record in 34 games. The mark is good for seventh place in the Atlantic Division, two points up on the last-place Buffalo Sabres.

The new Red Wings’ coach made his debut on Friday night against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Little Caesars Arena.

Todd McLellan and Detroit Red Wings get off to rough start

Todd McLellan and the Red Wings dropped a frustrating 5-2 decision on Friday night. Detroit was down 5-0 heading into the third period, with the Toronto Maple Leafs chasing Talbot after giving up five goals on 21 shots.

However, the Wings came out strong in the third, mounting a comeback attempt that saw Detroit score two goals in the third. While the comeback ultimately fell short, it was encouraging to see the Red Wings not give up.

Moving forward, the Red Wings will be looking to improve their record. Detroit will get another chance to bag a win as they take on the Washington Capitals next on Sunday. For Detroit, playing the Capitals will be another challenging game as the Caps lead the Metro Division.

Still, McLellan and the Red Wings will look to find positives even in tough games. The third period against Toronto showed Detroit can hang with some of the best teams in the league. If the club can string consistent 60-minute efforts, the results will begin to trickle in.

Fans should not write off the Red Wings at this point. A hot streak could result in the team getting back into the playoff conversation in the Eastern Conference. Detroit sits 12 points back of the Boston Bruins for third in the Atlantic.

That difference may seem insurmountable now, but the 2019 St. Louis Blues proved that anything is possible in the NHL.