Chiarelli’s first move involved finding a new coach. He hired former San Jose Sharks bench boss Todd McLellan to take over the reins. Following five different Oilers coaches through four seasons, Edmonton finally hired an experienced NHL head coach.
McLellan led the Sharks to multiple Pacific Division titles, playoff berths and intense playoff runs, but unfortunately, couldn’t lead them to the Cup. And, when the team missed the playoffs in 2015, the Sharks and McLellan agreed to part ways, which led him to Edmonton to turn things around.
With the Oilers finally looking like a winning team, McLellan has been a huge part of that surge.