It was inevitable and it's over. Bye Todd, best of luck in Philadelphia. Don't panic and juggle as much and you'll be fine.
With Todd McLellan gone the Sharks can start to move forward with their search for a new coach, although that’s not going to be sorted out immediately. GM Doug Wilson’s review apparently hasn't been completed by Hasso Plattner. Read into that what you will but it seems like Wilson isn't planning a great escape like McLellan.
Tops on my list is Jeff Blashill like I've said several times this season when I digitally fired Todd McLellan. Blashill is the "next one" of coaches and San Jose would be wise to court him with their best pitch. An interesting option, should he become available, would be Ken Hitchcock from the St. Louis Blues. Hitchcock has proven his ability to coach and develop those of all ages and skill levels in St. Louis and if the Blues look for a change should they fail to capture the big prize this year then it could be San Jose’s benefit.
Wilson’s press conference yesterday was interesting to say the least.
Fear The Fin transcribed the entire press conference if you’re interested in the text version. Wilson said that McLellan “came to me over the weekend and said "it's time" and I respect that and I certainly have to concur with that. And that's how we got to that decision.”
(FTF)
Now, it’s officially documented as “mutual” but if Wilson “concurs” with the decision that McLellan made to walk away was in the best interest of everyone involved it sure sounds like firing him was in the back of his mind anyway and he just let McLellan sort it out for himself. Credit to McLellan for staying ahead of the curve.
Wilson, when asked about the transition nonsense had this to say.
"I see this being a playoff team next year, I do."
(FTF)
Laugh. Out. Loud.
They should have been a playoff team this year, Doug. Of course they should be a playoff team next year but, if you’re still around, you’re going to have to do your job this time and fill in some holes to give them a chance at the Stanley Cup. That’s where everyone’s concern lies – whether or not you can do your job.
Here’s a beauty:
"We're trying to acquire players that are puck possession players because that's the style of game we believe in"
(FTF)
Could have fooled me with what went on this year. Scott Hannan is not a puck possession player. John Scott is not a puck possession player. Tyler Kennedy was a solid possession player for the depth group, but he was shipped out for a conditional 7th round pick – otherwise known as food stamps – and Ben Smith was brought in at the deadline in another deal.
The moves that Doug Wilson made dating from last off-season until this years trade deadline just don’t fall in line with a team who believes in possession. Essentially, it’s another three course meal of lies courtesy of Chef Wilson.
The bottom line is that Todd McLellan had run his course in San Jose. Line juggling happens in hockey, but not to the extent that McLellan did this year. He looked like a coach in fear for his job all season long and was uncomfortable with it. He just didn't fare well with the added pressure and needed a change of scenery in the best interest of the Sharks and, apparently, himself.
His buddy Doug didn't do much to help him out either, so there’s that.
The best play for the Sharks is to get rid of the GM title by Wilson’s name – either by firing or reassignment – so this team can move forward with a fresh outlook. It’s still a talented group that is capable of doing good things. They need someone to come in and start drafting high-end talent – not just third and fourth liners, or bottom pairing defenders. They need someone who is going to go out and fill holes via trade or free agency. They need someone who isn't Doug Wilson.
Unnecessary loyalty to former members of an organization is a franchise killer in this business. Just look at Edmonton and those two genius' Kevin Lowe and Craig MacTavish and their tremendous run prior to winning McDavid. Wilson didn't win McDavid, so there's no one going to make him look better than he really is down the road.
The thing about management people in hockey is that they all want a promotion so there will be an ample amount of interest in taking over the San Jose Sharks GM position and being “the guy” in an organization. To think that the Sharks just can’t attract any great hockey minds is ridiculous. The Sharks have a good market and a strong fan base, this isn't Arizona. A new GM wouldn't have to mop up a salary cap mess like they would with other organizations – the situation in San Jose is actually a very attractive one for a new GM.
It’s now up to Plattner to decide whether or not he wants to continue down the Doug Wilson path or move to a different route – or maybe Wilson can mutually agree to leave as well.
Thanks for reading.
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