Advertisement

Todd McLellan will coach Edmonton Oilers

Todd McLellan, left, and Peter Chiarelli, President of Hockey Operations and General Manager of the Edmonton Oilers, hold up a jersey during a news conference after the Oilers announced McLellan as their new head coach.

Todd McLellan, left, and Peter Chiarelli, President of Hockey Operations and General Manager of the Edmonton Oilers, hold up a jersey during a news conference after the Oilers announced McLellan as their new head coach.

(Jason Franson / Associated Press)
Share

The Edmonton Oilers announced they have hired Todd McLellan as their coach after a season in which they again failed to make the playoffs.

McLellan appeared to be Edmonton’s top choice since Peter Chiarelli became general manager this month. Todd Nelson replaced Dallas Eakins as coach in December.

McLellan spent the past seven seasons as the San Jose Sharks’ coach, making the playoffs in his first six. He has a career record of 311-163-66 during the regular season but is 30-32 in the playoffs.

Etc.

Though a deal has not been completed, Detroit Red Wings Coach Mike Babcock had negotiations with the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday regarding the possibility of becoming their next head coach.

Advertisement

The talks took place between Babcock and Sabres General Manager Tim Murray and began early in the day, a person familiar with discussions told the AP. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the talks are private and the Sabres have not publicly discussed their coaching search to replace Ted Nolan, who was fired last month.

Babcock is still under contract with the Red Wings through June 30. The Red Wings, however, granted Babcock permission to speak with other teams.

Advertisement