Detroit Red Wings
· 2026-07-11
Detroit Red Wings veteran Jordin Tootoe says his 2012‑14 tenure in Detroit turned sour because of a coaching approach that left him feeling isolated and stressed. The former winger, who signed a three‑year deal to add grit, played just 53 games, tallying three goals and six assists before a compliance buyout ended his stay.
Tootoe told Ice Guardians that the coach in Detroit created an environment that clashed with his early sobriety journey. “I was in the first couple years of my sobriety journey and every day is a test,” he said, describing a locker‑room where he constantly wondered if he was in the way. The former forward felt the pressure so intensely he began hating the game, a sentiment echoed by teammates who tried to shield him.
Brett Hull, two‑time Stanley Cup champion, stepped in during the same interview, recalling similar treatment from a different coach, Mike Keenan, when Hull played for the St. Louis Blues. “They just like to belittle people and make them feel small,” Hull said, noting that the toxic vibe can spread across a roster. Both veterans highlighted that genuine support from teammates is what keeps players engaged, especially when coaching styles feel punitive.
The Red Wings are currently 10th in the Eastern Conference with a 41‑31 record and riding a three‑game losing streak as of July 11, 2026. Past locker‑room discord can linger, influencing current chemistry and performance. Understanding how past coaching missteps affected players like Tootoe helps the organization avoid repeating patterns that could derail a team fighting to climb the standings.
Leadership must balance discipline with empathy, especially for players navigating personal challenges. The Tootoe episode shows that a coach’s tone can either empower or alienate talent. Detroit’s front office and new coaching staff have an opportunity to set a tone that respects mental‑health journeys while demanding on‑ice results. If they succeed, the Red Wings could turn that L3 skid into a winning surge.
In his 53 regular‑season appearances, Tootoe posted nine points, a modest output for a player hired to bring physicality. He split time between Detroit and the Grand Rapids Griffins, the club’s AHL affiliate, before the buyout. While the numbers aren’t eye‑catching, the emotional toll he described suggests that performance can suffer when players feel unsupported.
Babcock, now the Edmonton Oilers’ head coach, has faced criticism from several former players about his methods. The pattern emerging across the league points to a shift: players are more vocal about mental health and expect coaches to foster a positive environment. Detroit’s handling of Tootoe’s experience will be watched by peers and fans alike.
The club must translate lessons from past missteps into actionable changes. With the season looming, the focus will be on building trust on the bench and ensuring that every roster spot feels secure. If the Red Wings can align coaching philosophy with player well‑being, they may finally break out of that recent slump and climb the Eastern Conference ladder.