Jan 6, 2015; Saint Paul, MN, USA; San Jose Sharks head coach Todd McLellan looks on during the second period against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. The Sharks defeated 4-3 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
After missing the postseason for the first time in 11 seasons, change was expected for the San Jose Sharks. As indicated by David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News, that change is likely to include one behind the bench.
Pollak reports that “a mutually agreed upon parting of the ways” between general manager Doug Wilson and head coach Todd McLellan could be announced tomorrow as the Sharks are scheduled to clean out their lockers and meet with the media one final time.
If this news does come down tomorrow, it should come as no surprise to anyone. After last season’s playoff collapse, McLellan was on presumed thin ice this season. It didn’t help that his general manager gave him a less-talented roster to work with heading into a rebuilding year as a franchise.
Also, McLellan is the only one that doesn’t have any protection. While owner Hasso Plattner could decide to fire Wilson, that would be extremely unlikely since Wilson said all summer that the Sharks would take a step backwards this year. Plus if Wilson was going to be gone, it would’ve come out by now.
While McLellan does have another year left on his contract, he will have a myriad of options to choose from and won’t be unemployed for long. After the turmoil of this season, he might want a change of scenery himself after being caught in the middle of the feud between his star player, Joe Thornton, and Wilson.
Speaking of Wilson, some other potentially interesting news was reported by Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet. Friedman mentioned that Wilson could move out of the general manager position and into a hockey operations or similar such role, thus creating a buffer between himself and the players.
It’s an interesting concept and idea that should only help the franchise after the friction that Wilson created between himself and the players. Adding in another voice should help in that regard, and bringing in a general manager from outside the organization could add a fresh look at a roster that has been under Wilson’s guidance since 2003.
Needless to say, it’s apparent that change is heading to San Jose and it isn’t starting with the players. Should be interesting to see how it all shakes out tomorrow as the Sharks try to decide what their future will look like.