Why Todd McLellan might be the Perfect Candidate for the Oilers

With the Oilers winning the Mcdavid sweepstakes just a few days ago it means that it is time for management to get their act together and prove that they mean business. Hiring Todd McLellan would do just that. McLellan is an experienced coach that has paid his dues working in many leagues like the Western Hockey League and American Hockey League, as well as winning a cup as Mike Babcocks assistant coach in 2008. The following year McLellan got a head coaching gig with the San Jose Sharks. A gig that would see him lead the sharks to the playoffs each and every year since the 2008/09 season except this most recent one, along with one presidents trophy.

McLellan is a coach who would never consider the Oilers a few years ago, but now we have a McDavid. The next NHL superstar surrounded by a bunch of young talented players like Hall, Eberle, Yakupov, Nugent-Hopkins, Shultz, and Nurse just to name a few. Who wouldn't want to coach a team that is potentially the next dynasty if its managed right.

McLellan also had a legitimate goaltender last season. A goaltender who just so happens to be a free agent this summer. Depending on their relationship, McLellan could help the Oilers lure Antti Niemi to Edmonton. Now I know Niemi is no game changer, but he is a significant upgrade from Scrivens, and since he is a free agent we wouldn't have to worry about giving up someone from our young core to get a starting goaltender. Annti Niemi would be the first bonafide goalie Edmonton has seen in a long time. 

Now, obviously this isn't a decision the Oilers should make today. I'd suggest they make that decision after a few more big name coaches are relieved of their duties, or a bit after the Men's World Hockey Championships  A tournament which McLellan is coaching team Canada, and Hall, Eberle, and Shultz are all playing under him. So the Oilers will defiantly talk to their players participating at the Worlds. This will allow the Oilers to learn how some of their top players like McLellans coaching style before they even offer him a job. So we know that if the Oilers hire Mclellan they will be very confident in their decision.

I feel bad for Nelson in this situation, he did a great job and deserves to be a coach in the National Hockey League, and I believe he'll get there one day. However the Oilers can't pass up this opportunity to hire an experienced coach like McLellan or one of the other big names that could be available this off-season. It would show that we are committed to taking the next steps toward becoming a successful organization. A lot of people are tired changing coaches almost every year, however if we land a coach like McLellan it would be a long time before we decide we need to replace him.

Get ready to hear a lot about Todd Mclellan. He will be very high on the Oilers radar. There is a very good chance he could be working the bench for Edmonton next season.