Is McLellan Right Choice For Oilers?
So once more, the Edmonton Oilers are looking towards a new man to lead them back towards the promised land. That man comes in the shape of former San Jose coach, Todd McLellan. After recently being given the chop in California after a seven year stint, this guy has been given the tough challenge of actually getting something out of a beleaguered Edmonton side! When former boss, Dallas Eakins was given the boot back in December, the damage had already been done to their season as Edmonton as usual limped home dead last in the Western conference to claim another wooden spoon.
But what does McLellan offer that other coaches will not? Well for one he brings a consistent play off run with him! In his seven seasons in charge he led San Jose to over six playoff appearances (including two conference finals). His record of 311-163 from a possible 434 regular season games is a fine record to take across to Alberta. Eakins was an ambitious experiment that sadly went array. His youthful and big ideas seemed a good fit for the young Oilers side, but ultimately his lack of experience in charge was his downfall. Under his leadership, Edmonton never once looked either comfortable or confidence going forward and yet again became glorified target practice for other NHL sides.
McLellan brings across a wealthy of not only experience, but some great attack minded play. Under his guidance, the Sharks were always a difficult side to contend with. Edmonton despite having three number one picks (plus four if you count the likely selection of Connor McDavid) have never really found that rhythm required. With another potential Wayne Gretsky about to drafted, the mood will need to be lifted and quickly to ensure success. But the one question that really remains is has this job become a tainted one by league standards? There have been big and bright ideas before about the changes needed, but none has brought any real change!
One thing the new boss will need to contend with is that the die hard Edmonton fans have become more than just restless after years of defeat. If McLellan should fail to deliver then he should be prepared to be run out of town (just ask Devan Dubnyk about such things!). The Oilers are a team screaming from the rooftops for success and no one has answered the call. McLellan will have a lot of work cut out for him and there will no doubt be moments which will have him tearing his hair out. However in terms of a leader, Edmonton could do far worse at this point.
But what does McLellan offer that other coaches will not? Well for one he brings a consistent play off run with him! In his seven seasons in charge he led San Jose to over six playoff appearances (including two conference finals). His record of 311-163 from a possible 434 regular season games is a fine record to take across to Alberta. Eakins was an ambitious experiment that sadly went array. His youthful and big ideas seemed a good fit for the young Oilers side, but ultimately his lack of experience in charge was his downfall. Under his leadership, Edmonton never once looked either comfortable or confidence going forward and yet again became glorified target practice for other NHL sides.
McLellan brings across a wealthy of not only experience, but some great attack minded play. Under his guidance, the Sharks were always a difficult side to contend with. Edmonton despite having three number one picks (plus four if you count the likely selection of Connor McDavid) have never really found that rhythm required. With another potential Wayne Gretsky about to drafted, the mood will need to be lifted and quickly to ensure success. But the one question that really remains is has this job become a tainted one by league standards? There have been big and bright ideas before about the changes needed, but none has brought any real change!
One thing the new boss will need to contend with is that the die hard Edmonton fans have become more than just restless after years of defeat. If McLellan should fail to deliver then he should be prepared to be run out of town (just ask Devan Dubnyk about such things!). The Oilers are a team screaming from the rooftops for success and no one has answered the call. McLellan will have a lot of work cut out for him and there will no doubt be moments which will have him tearing his hair out. However in terms of a leader, Edmonton could do far worse at this point.
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