Todd McLellan's journey in the world of hockey began in the small town of Melville, Saskatchewan, Canada. As a young player, he demonstrated a keen understanding of the game, which eventually led him to play junior hockey with the Saskatoon Blades in the Western Hockey League (WHL). His performance caught the attention of NHL scouts, and in 1986, he was drafted by the New York Islanders in the fifth round, 104th overall.
McLellan's professional playing career was brief. He spent time with the Springfield Indians in the American Hockey League (AHL) and the Muskegon Lumberjacks in the International Hockey League (IHL). Unfortunately, a shoulder injury curtailed his playing days, prompting him to transition into coaching.
His coaching career began in the Western Hockey League with the Swift Current Broncos, where he served as head coach and general manager. Under his leadership, the Broncos saw considerable success, and McLellan was recognized for his efforts with the Dunc McCallum Memorial Trophy as the WHL's Coach of the Year in 2000.
The NHL took notice of McLellan's coaching abilities, and he joined the Minnesota Wild as an assistant coach in 2000. He spent several years with the Wild, honing his skills and gaining valuable experience at the NHL level. In 2005, McLellan moved to the Detroit Red Wings, where he served as an assistant coach under Mike Babcock. His tenure with the Red Wings was marked by success, culminating in a Stanley Cup victory in 2008.
Following the championship win, McLellan was appointed head coach of the San Jose Sharks. During his time with the Sharks, he became the winningest coach in franchise history, leading the team to multiple playoff appearances and a Presidents' Trophy in the 2008-2009 season. Despite regular-season success, the Sharks struggled to capture the Stanley Cup, leading to McLellan's departure in 2015.
Shortly after leaving San Jose, McLellan was hired as the head coach of the Edmonton Oilers. His tenure with the Oilers saw mixed results, with the team making the playoffs in the 2016-2017 season but failing to build on that success in subsequent years. McLellan was relieved of his duties in 2018.
In 2019, McLellan took on a new challenge as the head coach of the Los Angeles Kings. Tasked with guiding a team in transition, he focused on developing young talent and instilling a competitive mindset. His efforts aimed to return the Kings to playoff contention and establish a foundation for future success.
Throughout his coaching career, McLellan was known for his strategic acumen and ability to develop players. His teams were often characterized by their disciplined play and strong work ethic. McLellan's influence extended beyond the ice, as he was respected for his leadership and ability to connect with players and staff alike.
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