Red Wings coach urges Compher to step up and drive Detroit’s playoff aspirations
The Detroit Red Wings are deep into training camp, and head coach Todd McLellan has set his sights on veteran center J.T. Compher, calling for a more dynamic presence from the player. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, McLellan emphasized the need for Compher to adopt a more aggressive and assertive mindset if he hopes to contribute significantly.
“J.T. needs to lead on the ice, not just follow,” McLellan remarked. “He should be the one initiating the plays rather than blending into the background.” The coach is clear about what he expects: Compher must be proactive in forechecking and assertive in both offensive and defensive zones. “He can’t wait for the action to come to him,” McLellan continued. “Playing it safe in the middle of the rink isn’t going to cut it. We need him to take charge.”
McLellan is confident in Compher’s abilities, recognizing that the center possesses the skills to be a game-changer for the Red Wings. However, he noted that during parts of last season, Compher seemed to ease off the accelerator. “Towards the end of the year, I saw him start to ramp things up,” McLellan said. “He can’t keep riding the brakes. When he’s on the gas, he showcases his true potential.”
Entering the third year of his five-year, $25.5 million contract, Compher’s role is crucial for the Red Wings, who are desperate to snap a nine-year playoff drought. McLellan wants to see more than just offensive production; he is looking for Compher to enhance his overall game. The coach believes Compher is capable of being a shutdown center and excelling as a two-way player.
“We’ve talked about him being a complete, 200-foot player,” McLellan added. “His offensive contributions are evident—15 goals and several assists speak for themselves. But it’s the defensive plays and contributions that often go unnoticed, like breaking up scoring chances or killing penalties, where he also excels.”
Compher finished last season with 11 goals and 21 assists over 76 games, but the Red Wings are yearning for more from him this year. As the team gears up for another season, general manager Steve Yzerman has urged fans to remain patient. He understands the frustration stemming from the team’s prolonged absence from the playoffs but believes in the gradual process of building a contender.
“The finish of the season, the lottery outcomes, and draft availability are often beyond our control,” Yzerman explained. “Our focus is on running a solid program and improving year after year, with the ultimate goal of making the playoffs and competing for a Stanley Cup.”
He also acknowledged the urgency felt by fans and local media, stating, “I get the sense of urgency, but rebuilding takes time, as we’ve heard before.”
The Red Wings will commence their season on October 9 against the Montreal Canadiens, with hopes that Compher and the team can rise to the occasion and bring an end to their playoff drought.
