Todd McLellan coaching history: Revisiting new Detroit Red Wings head coach's NHL numbers as HC

On Thursday, the Detroit Red Wings announced a coaching change, parting ways with head coach Derek Lalonde and replacing him with 57-year-old veteran Todd McLellan. Lalonde failed to reach the post-season during his tenure with Detroit.

The Red Wings have given an extremely dull performance this season, posting a 13-17-4 record and are currently ranked second-worst in the Eastern Conference, only narrowly ahead of the Buffalo Sabres.

With Todd McLellan signing a multi-year contract, the team is banking on him to bring a reversal of fortunes by ending their eight-season playoff drought. McLellan has strong pre-existing ties with the team, having served as an assistant coach during their last Stanley Cup win in 2008.

Todd McLellan brings an impressive 16 years of NHL experience to Detroit having led three different teams: the San Jose Sharks, Edmonton Oilers, and LA Kings. His regular-season record stands at 598-412-134 in 1,144 games, along with a 42-46 post-season record.

In his very first head coaching stint with the Sharks, McLellan achieved instant success, guiding the team to six consecutive Stanley Cup playoff appearances. During his seven-year tenure with Sharks they also secured three Pacific Division titles along with winning their first-ever Presidents' Trophy in 2008-09 season.

Todd's second NHL coaching stint was with the Edmonton Oilers (2015 - 2019), where he posted a record of 123-119-34 in 266 games. Notably, in 2016-17 helped them get 100-point season for the first time since 1986-87, and led them to their first postseason appearance since 2006.

McLellan's latest coaching tenure was with the Los Angeles Kings whom he joined in April 2019. During his time with the Kings, he led them to consecutive Stanley Cup playoffs in 2021-22 and 2022-23. In 338 games coached, McLellan had a 164-130-44 record.

The Detroit Red Wings who had a spectacular 25-season consistent playoff streak from 1991-2016, that included Stanley Cup wins in 1997, 1998, 2002 and 2008, have struggled to regain their footing and have failed to reach postseason in the last eight seasons. The arrival of McLellan brings renewed hope for a swift rebuild and a return to winning ways.

As Red Wings fire Derek Lalonde, hire Todd McLellan; pressure mounts on GM Steve Yzerman

GM Steve Yzerman - Source: Imagn

On Thursday,the Detroit Red Wings relieved Derek Lalonde of his duties and replaced him with Todd McLellan. Lalonde became the forth NHL coach to be replaced mid-season after Jim Montgomery, Drew Bannister, and Luke Richardson.

The Red Wings' dismal performance was the primary factor in Lalonde's dismissal. Last season, the team narrowly missed the postseason despite recording 91 points. This season, they have failed to find any rhythm, having a 13-17-4 record and a mere 30 points through 34 games.

All this is leading to pressure mounting on NHL Legend and Red Wings General Manager Steve Yzerman. Since taking up the post of general manager in 2019, Yzerman has still has not achieved any significant success in his time at the helm.