It might've been called the worst kept secret – but the Edmonton Oilers announced Tuesday that Todd McLellan had been named the new head coach of the team.
McLellan is just coming off a successful run with Team Canada at the 2015 IIHF World Championship in the Czech Republic where Team Canada won their first gold medal at the competition since 2007.
The announcement also came nearly a month after McLellan left his previous position as head coach of the San Jose Sharks on April 20. He had held that position since the 2008-09 hockey season.
Over his time with San Jose, he guided the team to first in the Pacific Division in his first three seasons as head coach – and twice reached the Western Conference Final.
For the Oilers, the offseason has been a busy one – on April 20, Bob Nicholson was named the Oilers’ new CEO, expanding his responsibilities over his previous position as Vice Chair.
Another change in the head office saw former Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli named as the team’s new GM and President of Hockey Operations.
Plus, the team won the 2015 NHL Draft Lottery on April 18, it’s expected the team will select Connor McDavid, currently with the Erie Otters, on June 26.
With files from TSN.ca
