As reported by NHL.com the Los Angeles Kings have hired Todd McLellan to become the teams 29th coach in franchise history. The deal is for 5 years, at $5 million dollars annually for the 51-year-old.
Todd McLellan is a coach who instills structure, is a motivational leader who is very detailed and commands respect from not only his players but everyone in the organization. Coach McLellan has won regardless of where he has coached and has a Stanley Cup with the Detroit Red Wings in 2008. He has proven he can coach with a lesser roster, and that he can outcoach the opposing coach on any night. He demands that his teams work hard and give maximum effort. He can be a players coach but even superstars he can be difficult on. McLellan is a proven winner who excels when the odds are against him and comes to Los Angeles to prove that once again.
Coach McLellan has an impressive resume, which is why is in Los Angeles to coach the Kings. He has 434 career wins, which ranks him 33rd all-time, and 11th among active coaches. McLellan coached teams have made the playoffs in 7 of his 10 full coaching seasons. He does have 11 total coaching season but only 10 of them are full-time head coaching positions.
The 2008-09 Jack Adams Award finalist gives the Kings a new voice, one that will hopefully give this team the boost it needs and be a serious cup contender again. What are your thoughts on the hiring? Do you think the Kings make the playoffs with him behind the bench?
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