Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Todd Nelson (ice hockey)

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Todd Nelson (ice hockey)

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Todd Nelson (ice hockey) made an impact.

Todd Nelson is a Canadian ice hockey coach and former professional player. He currently coaches the Hershey Bears in the AHL. Nelson briefly played in the NHL for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals between 1991 and 1994, appearing in 3 games. His playing career, which spanned from 1990 to 2002, was primarily spent in the minor leagues. Nelson transitioned to coaching after his playing career.

1994: Calder Cup Win

In 1994, Todd Nelson helped guide the Washington Capitals' minor league affiliate, the Portland Pirates, to win the Calder Cup.

2002: Assistant Coach for Grand Rapids Griffins

During the 2002–03 season, Todd Nelson became the assistant coach for the Grand Rapids Griffins of the AHL.

2006: Assistant Coach for Chicago Wolves

From 2006 to 2008, Todd Nelson served as the assistant coach for the Chicago Wolves of the AHL.

July 25, 2008: Assistant Coach for Atlanta Thrashers

On July 25, 2008, Todd Nelson accepted an assistant coaching position with the Atlanta Thrashers of the NHL.

2008: Calder Cup Win

In 2008, Todd Nelson won the Calder Cup as an assistant coach for the Chicago Wolves.

July 15, 2010: Head Coach of Oklahoma City Barons

On July 15, 2010, Todd Nelson was introduced as the first head coach of the AHL's Oklahoma City Barons, which is affiliated with the NHL's Edmonton Oilers.

December 15, 2014: Interim Head Coach of the Oilers

On December 15, 2014, after the firing of Dallas Eakins, Todd Nelson was promoted to head coach of the Edmonton Oilers on an interim basis.

May 19, 2015: Replaced as Head Coach

On May 19, 2015, Todd Nelson was replaced as head coach of the Oilers by Todd McLellan.

June 16, 2015: Head Coach of Grand Rapids Griffins

On June 16, 2015, Todd Nelson was named the head coach of the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League (AHL).

2017: Calder Cup as Head Coach

In 2017, Todd Nelson became the third person to ever win the Calder Cup as a player, assistant coach, and head coach.

May 31, 2018: Assistant Coach with the Dallas Stars

On May 31, 2018, Todd Nelson left the Griffins to become an assistant coach with the Dallas Stars in the NHL.

May 20, 2022: Contract Not Renewed

On May 20, 2022, Todd Nelson's contract with the Dallas Stars was not renewed.

August 11, 2022: Head Coach of Hershey Bears

On August 11, 2022, Todd Nelson was named the 28th head coach of the Hershey Bears.

2023: Calder Cup Championship

In 2023, Todd Nelson coached the Hershey Bears to their 12th Calder Cup Championship, beating the Coachella Valley Firebirds.

June 24, 2024: 13th Calder Cup Championship

On June 24, 2024, Todd Nelson coached the Hershey Bears to their 13th Calder Cup Championship, beating Coachella Valley in overtime again.

June 20, 2025: Assistant Coach for the Pittsburgh Penguins

On June 20, 2025, Todd Nelson was promoted to assistant coach for the Pittsburgh Penguins.