DEAL ACCEPTED: Excitement Erupts at Rogers Place as Former Oilers Head Coach Todd McLellan Returns in Senior Coaching Role
Edmonton, AB – In a stunning and emotional twist that has reignited excitement across the city, former Edmonton Oilers head coach Todd McLellan is officially returning to the franchise — this time not behind the bench, but in a senior coaching and advisory capacity. The Oilers confirmed the news in a press release early Thursday morning, and the response from fans, players, and media personalities has been nothing short of euphoric.
A Familiar Face with Unfinished Business
McLellan, who previously served as the Oilers’ head coach from 2015 to 2018, has long maintained ties with the organization and the city of Edmonton. Though his first stint ended without playoff success (save for a memorable 2017 run to the second round), McLellan earned the respect of many for his professional demeanor, strategic mind, and ability to develop young players.
Now, nearly seven years after his departure and following recent stints with the Los Angeles Kings and Team Canada, McLellan is returning with renewed purpose. His official title will be Senior Coaching Consultant, a role designed to bridge communication between the coaching bench, front office, and player development teams.
According to Oilers GM Ken Holland, the move is part of a broader restructuring of the team’s hockey operations, aimed at giving the Oilers a strategic edge as they chase an elusive Stanley Cup title.
“Todd brings unmatched experience, calm leadership, and familiarity with this organization. He’s not just a coach — he’s a hockey mind with vision,” Holland said. “We believe he will be instrumental in helping our current coaching staff make critical adjustments in real time, while also mentoring our next generation of leaders.”
Why Now?
The timing of McLellan’s return is particularly interesting. The Oilers are fresh off a hard-fought Stanley Cup Final appearance, falling just short in a seven-game battle with the Florida Panthers. While head coach Kris Knoblauch and his staff received praise for their run, questions remain about the team’s consistency, in-game adjustments, and defensive discipline — areas in which McLellan has excelled throughout his career.
Several insiders believe McLellan was approached shortly after the conclusion of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final, with Oilers brass looking to capitalize on the window of contention while stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl remain in their prime.
The Oilers are not replacing anyone on their bench, and Knoblauch remains firmly in charge. Rather, McLellan’s return is seen as an addition — not a replacement — and a way to deepen the team’s strategic reserves as it gears up for another championship push.
Player and Fan Reactions
The response within the locker room has been overwhelmingly positive. Star captain Connor McDavid, who played under McLellan in the early years of his career, spoke highly of the coach’s return.
“Todd played a big role in my early development,” McDavid said. “He’s a detailed guy who always brings clarity and composure to chaotic situations. I think we all stand to benefit from having him back in the room, even in this new role.”
Leon Draisaitl echoed those sentiments, saying McLellan’s insight could give the team “an extra 1% edge” that often determines playoff success.
Fans flooded social media with praise and nostalgia, sharing clips from the Oilers’ 2016–17 season — one of the best in recent franchise history — and expressing hope that McLellan’s return might signal another magical playoff run. Hashtags like #McLellanReturns, #UnfinishedBusiness, and #OilersFamily quickly began trending across Alberta.
What Does the Role Involve?
As Senior Coaching Consultant, McLellan’s duties will stretch beyond just watching games from the press box. He will sit in on strategy sessions, assist in mid-season scouting evaluations, and offer direct feedback to the coaching staff. More importantly, he will work with up-and-coming prospects in Bakersfield and beyond, helping ensure that the Oilers’ talent pipeline aligns with their system of play.
This type of role is becoming more common across the NHL, as franchises increasingly recognize the value of “coach mentors” or “senior strategists” — seasoned experts who guide, evaluate, and refine game plans without necessarily taking over behind the bench.
Redemption and Legacy
Though McLellan never got to finish what he started in Edmonton during his first run, this return offers a unique opportunity at redemption — not necessarily for past shortcomings, but for the ambitions that went unfulfilled. His calm but commanding presence is expected to stabilize the Oilers in times of pressure, especially come playoff time when the margin for error is razor-thin.
This move also reopens discussions about McLellan’s legacy in the NHL. With over 1,000 games coached and numerous playoff appearances across multiple franchises, he is one of the most respected minds in modern hockey. If he helps guide the Oilers to a Stanley Cup — even from behind the scenes — it could cement his place in both franchise and league history.
The Road Ahead
With training camp just weeks away, McLellan is expected to begin working with the staff immediately, attending rookie development sessions and joining team meetings during preseason.
Oilers Nation, already buzzing from last season’s playoff run, now has another reason to believe that 2025–26 might be the year it all comes together.
For Todd McLellan, it’s not just a return — it’s a second chance. And for the Edmonton Oilers, it’s a bold step toward finally reaching hockey’s mountaintop.