Nov 16, 2014; Raleigh, NC, USA; San Jose Sharks head coach Todd McLellan reacts against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The San Jose Sharks defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 2-0. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
While the San Jose Sharks continue their search for a new head coach, it appears their former bench boss is likely headed to Canada.
According to a report from Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, Todd McLellan will be the future head coach of Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers “barring a major collapse.”
While nothing is official yet, the deal will probably be finalized once McLellan returns from Prague where he is currently coaching Team Canada at the IIHF World Championships.
Edmonton and the Detroit Red Wings always appeared as the most likely destinations for McLellan, and it appears Edmonton sealed the deal while the Red Wings still wait for word from Mike Babcock on whether he will return next season.
The Oilers have a young, talented roster that will get even better with the addition of McDavid. McLellan is also getting a first-hand look at Taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle who are both playing for McLellan with Team Canada. Both players are tied for second in scoring throughout the tournament with 11 points (six goals, five assists for Hall and five goals, six assists for Eberle).
If McLellan does indeed become the next Oilers head coach, he will have the tall task of turning around a struggling franchise. Edmonton has the longest active playoff drought in the NHL after missing the postseason for the ninth consecutive year.
Meanwhile, McLellan was very successful in San Jose, departing as the franchise leader in wins with 311. The Oilers job would keep him in the Pacific Division and give him the opportunity to compete against the Sharks on a regular basis.
McLellan would also be reunited with former Sharks broadcaster Drew Remenda who is an avid supporter of McLellan and works the Edmonton broadvasts. At least he’d have a familiar face should things become finalized at some point.