History of Todd McLellan in Timeline
Todd Andrew McLellan is a Canadian professional ice hockey coach and former player currently serving as head coach of the Detroit Red Wings. He has also coached the San Jose Sharks, Edmonton Oilers, and Los Angeles Kings, and was an assistant coach for the Red Wings when they won the 2008 Stanley Cup. Drafted by the New York Islanders in 1986, McLellan played five NHL games in the 1987-88 season before retiring from playing due to injury the following season.
October 3, 1967: Birth of Todd McLellan
Todd Andrew McLellan was born on October 3, 1967.
1983: Start of WHL Career
Todd McLellan's playing career began in 1983 with the Saskatoon Blades of the WHL.
1986: Drafted by New York Islanders
In 1986, Todd McLellan was drafted by the New York Islanders.
December 28, 1987: First NHL Goal
On December 28, 1987, Todd McLellan scored his first NHL goal against the New Jersey Devils.
1988: End of North American Playing Career
In 1988, recurring shoulder injuries ended McLellan's North American playing career.
1990: First Oilers Home-Ice Advantage and Playoff Series Win Since 1990
The Oilers earned home-ice advantage and won a playoff series for the first time since 1990, under McLellan's leadership in 2017.
1992: Return to Canada and Coaching in Europe
After a stint as a player-coach with SIJ Utrecht, McLellan returned to Canada in 1992.
1993: Coaching the North Battleford North Stars
In 1993, McLellan began full-time coaching with the North Battleford North Stars.
1994: Coaching the Swift Current Broncos
McLellan became the head coach and general manager of the Swift Current Broncos in 1994.
1997: WHL Executive of the Year
In 1997, McLellan was named WHL Executive of the Year.
2000: WHL Coach of the Year
McLellan was named WHL Coach of the Year in 2000.
2003: Calder Cup Championship
McLellan led the Houston Aeros to the Calder Cup championship in 2003.
2005: Assistant Coach for Detroit Red Wings
In 2005, McLellan became an assistant coach for the Detroit Red Wings under Mike Babcock.
2007: Top-Ranked Power Play
During McLellan's time as an assistant coach, the Red Wings had a top-ranked power play unit in 2007.
2007: Canada's First World Championship Since 2007
The 2015 World Championship win under McLellan was Canada's first since 2007.
June 11, 2008: Head Coach of San Jose Sharks
On June 11, 2008, the San Jose Sharks hired McLellan as their new head coach.
2008: Stanley Cup Win as Assistant Coach
In 2008, Todd McLellan won the Stanley Cup as an assistant coach with the Detroit Red Wings.
March 14, 2013: Winningest Coach in Sharks History
On March 14, 2013, McLellan became the winningest coach in Sharks history.
February 5, 2014: Tied for Most Games Coached in Sharks History
On February 5, 2014, McLellan tied Darryl Sutter for the most games coached in Sharks history.
2014: Departure from San Jose Sharks
In 2014, McLellan and the Sharks parted ways.
May 19, 2015: Head Coach of Edmonton Oilers
On May 19, 2015, McLellan was named head coach of the Edmonton Oilers.
2015: Coaching the Canadian National Team
In 2015, McLellan coached the Canadian national team to a World Championship title.
March 28, 2017: Oilers Return to the Playoffs
On March 28, 2017, the Oilers, coached by McLellan, made the playoffs for the first time in 11 years.
November 20, 2018: Dismissal from Edmonton Oilers
On November 20, 2018, McLellan was fired by the Edmonton Oilers.
April 16, 2019: Head Coach of Los Angeles Kings
On April 16, 2019, McLellan was named head coach of the Los Angeles Kings.
February 2, 2024: Firing from Los Angeles Kings
Despite a contract extension, McLellan was fired by the Kings on February 2, 2024.
December 26, 2024: Return to Detroit Red Wings as Head Coach
On December 26, 2024, McLellan returned to the Detroit Red Wings as head coach.
