Who is Todd McLellan: Biography, Career, and Net Worth
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His strategic mind, focus on discipline, and leadership have earned him success across multiple teams. Over his career, McLellan has accumulated impressive milestones, including over 550 career wins as a head coach, a Stanley Cup championship as an assistant coach, and leading teams through transitions and playoff pushes.
1. Early Life and Playing Career
- Full Name: Todd Andrew McLellan
- Date of Birth: October 3, 1967
- Birthplace: Melville, Saskatchewan, Canada
- Playing Position: Center
- Draft: Selected 104th overall by the New York Islanders in the 1986 NHL Entry Draft
Growing up in the small town of Melville, Saskatchewan, McLellan developed his passion for hockey early. Like many Canadian kids, he dreamed of playing in the NHL. His junior hockey career included playing for the Saskatoon Blades in the Western Hockey League (WHL).
In 1986, McLellan was drafted by the New York Islanders. He spent two seasons playing in minor leagues, including the Springfield Indians in the American Hockey League (AHL), where he scored 11 goals and 17 assists in 41 games during the 1987–88 season. Unfortunately, recurring shoulder injuries forced McLellan to retire from professional hockey by 1989, cutting his playing career short.
2. Transition to Coaching
Swift Current Broncos (WHL)
After retiring, McLellan shifted gears to coaching. His first major opportunity came with the Swift Current Broncos of the WHL, where he served as both head coach and general manager.
- Achievements:
- Led the Broncos to a division title in 1995–96.
- Honored as WHL Executive of the Year in 1997.
This early success established McLellan as a bright young coaching mind and opened doors to higher levels of hockey.
3. Coaching in the AHL and NHL
Houston Aeros (AHL)
In 2001, McLellan was named head coach of the Houston Aeros, the AHL affiliate of the Minnesota Wild.
- Highlights:
- Guided the Aeros to a Calder Cup championship in 2003, cementing his reputation as a winning coach.
- Finished with an AHL coaching record of 154–111–37 over four seasons.
Detroit Red Wings (Assistant Coach)
McLellan joined the Detroit Red Wings in 2005 as an assistant coach under Mike Babcock.
- Specialty: McLellan focused on improving the team’s power play, which ranked 1st in the NHL in 2006 (24.2% success rate).
- Achievements:
- Part of the coaching staff that led the Red Wings to a Stanley Cup victory in 2008.
- During his tenure, the Red Wings consistently ranked among the league’s elite teams.
4. NHL Head Coaching Career
San Jose Sharks (2008–2015)
McLellan was hired as the Sharks’ head coach in 2008. His tenure in San Jose was one of the most successful periods in franchise history.
- Record: 311–163–66
- Highlights:
- Led the Sharks to the Presidents’ Trophy in 2009 with a league-best record of 53–18–11 (117 points).
- Guided the team to the playoffs in six out of seven seasons, including two trips to the Western Conference Finals (2010, 2011).
- Coached stars like Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau, and Logan Couture, while overseeing the development of key players like Joe Pavelski.
Edmonton Oilers (2015–2019)
McLellan took over the Edmonton Oilers during a rebuilding phase, working with young talents such as Connor McDavid.
- Record: 123–119–24
- Achievements:
- Helped the Oilers reach the playoffs in 2017, their first postseason appearance in 11 years.
- Coached McDavid to a 100-point season in 2017, with McDavid winning the Art Ross Trophy and Hart Trophy that year.
Los Angeles Kings (2019–Present)
McLellan was hired by the Kings in 2019, tasked with leading the team through a rebuild.
- Record (as of December 2024): 146–124–36
- Highlights:
- Successfully transitioned the Kings from rebuilding to playoff contention.
- Guided young players like Quinton Byfield and Arthur Kaliyev while maintaining competitive performances from veterans such as Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty.
- In the 2022–23 season, McLellan’s Kings achieved 47 wins and 104 points, marking their highest point total since 2016.
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5. Achievements and Milestones
- Stanley Cup Champion: Detroit Red Wings (2008, as assistant coach)
- Calder Cup Champion: Houston Aeros (2003, as head coach)
- Presidents’ Trophy Winner: San Jose Sharks (2009)
- NHL Career Wins: Over 550 career victories, ranking among the top 30 NHL coaches of all time in total wins.
- Playoff Appearances: 8 playoff berths as a head coach
6. Net Worth and Earnings
Todd McLellan’s estimated net worth is between $12 million and $15 million.
- Current Salary: $5 million annually as the head coach of the Los Angeles Kings.
- McLellan’s wealth is derived from decades of coaching contracts, performance bonuses, and endorsements.
7. Personal Life
- Family: Todd is married to Debbie McLellan, and they have two sons, Tyson and Cale.
- Tyson played college hockey for the University of Denver.
- Hobbies: Golfing, fishing, and spending time with his family are McLellan’s favorite pastimes.
8. Statistical Snapshot
| Team | Years | Record (W-L-OTL) | Playoff Appearances |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose Sharks | 2008–2015 | 311–163–66 | 6 |
| Edmonton Oilers | 2015–2019 | 123–119–24 | 1 |
| Los Angeles Kings | 2019–Present | 146–124–36 | 2 (as of 2024) |
FAQs About Todd McLellan
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What makes Todd McLellan a successful coach?
McLellan is known for his tactical discipline, ability to develop players, and strong power play systems.
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How many Stanley Cups has McLellan won?
He has won one Stanley Cup as an assistant coach with the Detroit Red Wings in 2008.
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What is McLellan’s biggest career milestone?
Leading the San Jose Sharks to the Presidents’ Trophy in 2009 and multiple playoff runs.
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What is Todd McLellan’s salary?
His current salary with the Los Angeles Kings is $5 million per year.
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How many games has McLellan won as a head coach?
McLellan has over 550 career wins in the NHL.
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Did Todd McLellan play in the NHL?
No, he was drafted by the New York Islanders but only played in minor leagues due to injuries.
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Who are the top players McLellan has coached?
McLellan has worked with stars like Connor McDavid, Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau, Anze Kopitar, and Drew Doughty.
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What is his coaching style?
McLellan emphasizes structure, defensive discipline, and effective power plays.
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What are Todd McLellan’s future goals?
To guide the Los Angeles Kings to a Stanley Cup title and further establish himself among the NHL’s greatest coaches.
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Where does Todd McLellan rank among NHL coaches?
He ranks among the top 30 all-time in NHL coaching wins.
| Todd McLellan’s career reflects dedication, adaptability, and a deep understanding of hockey. From his early days coaching in the WHL to becoming one of the NHL’s most successful head coaches, McLellan has left an indelible mark on the sport. With the Los Angeles Kings, he continues to build his legacy, aiming for further playoff success and perhaps another Stanley Cup. |
