While his future with the San Jose Sharks remains up in the air, Todd McLellan knows he’ll have a coaching gig for at least the next few weeks.
On Tuesday, Hockey Canada announced McLellan as its head coach for the 2015 World Hockey Championships, to be played in the Czech Republic from May. 1-17. McLellan will be assisted by former Devils and Panthers coach Peter DeBoer, current ‘Canes bench boss Bill Peters and Jay Woodcroft, McLellan’s assistant in San Jose.
“This is a coaching staff with extensive experience in the NHL and knowledge of the international game, as well,” Team Canada GM Jim Nill said in a statement. “As a management group we are excited to work with this staff, and look forward to building a roster and representing Canada in the Czech Republic next month.”
Going to the Worlds is a rarity for McLellan. He’s been to the playoffs (with Detroit and San Jose) every spring since 2005-06 but, this year, failed to make the dance -- one of the big reasons why his future in San Jose is so murky. McLellan was mum on his job status as the Sharks closed out the regular season, and GM Doug Wilson has yet to conduct his end-of-year media availability.