Todd McLellan is the 11th coach in the Columbus Blue Jackets as announced by Alternate Governor, President of Hockey Operations, and General Manager - Don Waddell.

The 56 year old head coach is from Melville, Saskatoon, Canada and was developed through the WHL through the Blades. His provincial team is where he played developmental hockey before being a fifth round draft selection by the New York Islanders. In 5 career games, he had a goal and assist.

His most notable teammates his time in juniors and with the Isles’ affiliate include Kelly Chase (TSN), Bruce Boudreau (long time NHL coach, with NHLN) and Curtis Lesyechyn. The main Isles had their twilight stars - Pat Lafontaine, Bryan Torttier, Ken Morrow, Brent Sutter, Denis Potvin, and Bill Smith.

After leaving the game as a player in 1992, McLellan began coaching in 93 in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) for one season before being bumped up the WHL where he would finish the decade.

The beginning of the Milennium saw him in Cleveland with the IHL before he would jump once again to the AHL. His 2002-2003 Houston Aeros won the Calder Cup with notable players Zybnek Michalek and Stefan Veilleux.

He was an assistant coach under former Blue Jackets’ coach Mike Babcock in Detroit Red Wings from 2005-08.

McLellan got his first head coaching job in San Jose from 2008-2015, getting the Sharks to the playoffs six of his seven years including two Western Conference finals tours.

After being dismissed by the Sharks, he managed the early McDavid years in Edmonton and then the re-surging Los Angeles Kings until the All Star Break this past February.

Coming to Columbus, he takes control of a young offensive team. In McLellan’s previous runs, he has had heavy offensive talent. Thornton and Marleau; McDavid and Drasatil; and Kopitar, Kempe, Fiala, and Doughty.

Now, he holds Gaudreau and Fantilli. Maybe Laine for a bit. He has playoff experience. No Stanley Cup.

What will his first season hold? Playoffs? Lottery? More? Comment below! Draft tomorrow! More is coming!

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