According to the latest NHL rumors, former Edmonton Oilers head coach Todd McLellan is considered the favorite for the Los Angeles Kings head coaching job.
Though the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs are getting the attention of most NHL fans right now, other teams are looking for a new head coach. Both the Los Angeles Kings and Buffalo Sabres got rid of their head coaches. After former Edmonton Oilers head coach Todd McLellan reportedly interviewed with both teams, it appears he’s the favorite to be the next Kings coach.
After interviewing with Buffalo, he is reportedly no longer being considered for the vacancy. At the very least, the Sabres let McLellan leave without any discussions regarding the terms of a deal. This report comes from TSN’s Bob McKenzie.
More from Puck Prose
- Detroit Red Wings 2023 Rookie Camp Has Plenty of Ups and Downs
- This Columbus Blue Jackets rookie doesn’t want to be forgotten
- 2 trades the Boston Bruins must make to secure the Stanley Cup
- 3 reasons the Avalanche won’t win the Stanley Cup in 2024
- This is a big year for Alex Turcotte and the Los Angeles Kings
The Kings make sense for McLellan. Despite their struggles this year, they still have veterans like Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty. Also, it’s worth noting Kings general manager Rob Blake is familiar with McLellan. He was coached by him during his time with the San Jose Sharks.
McLellan most recently coached the Oilers. He took them to their first postseason since the 2005-06 season during the 2016-17 season, taking them to the second round. McLellan also took the Sharks to six straight postseasons from 2008-09 to 2013-14. He took them past the first round in three of those six playoffs.
McLellan has 25 years of coaching experience, with 14 of those seasons in the NHL. He got his start in the NHL with the Detroit Red Wings, serving three years as an assistant coach to Mike Babcock.
Before that, McLellan worked his way up the ranks in the WHL, serving as the head coach of the Swift Current Broncos from 1994-95 to 1999-00. He then served as the head coach for the Cleveland Lumberjacks in the IHL for a season before joining the Houston Aeros of the AHL.
The Kings are coming off one of their worst seasons in recent memory, accumulating just 71 points. Their point percentage of .433 is their lowest in any season since the 2006-07 season. It appears the Kings want a veteran head coach who can help lead their roster, a combination of younger players and veterans.
It remains to be seen if McLellan is the best coach for a team who should be rebuilding. However, Blake has worked with him before and clearly is a big fan of him. Be sure to stay tuned to Puck Prose as we’ll keep you updated with this situation.