History of Todd McLellan in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: December 27, 2024

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.

1987: NHL Debut

Todd McLellan made his NHL debut in 1987.

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.

1992: Marriage to Debbie

Todd McLellan married his wife Debbie 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.

2001: Coaching the Cleveland Lumberjacks and Houston Aeros

Following the IHL folding in 2001, McLellan transitioned from coaching the Cleveland Lumberjacks to the Houston Aeros in the AHL.

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.

Mentioned in this timeline

Los Angeles California's most populous city and Southern California's hub...

Canada is a North American country spanning from the Atlantic...

Detroit Michigan's most populous city sits on the Detroit River...

Cleveland is a major city in Ohio United States situated...

The Stanley Cup is the championship trophy of the National...

Houston the most populous city in Texas and the fourth-largest...