McLellan Returns to Los Angeles, Focusing on His Team’s Performance, Not Past Disappointment
LOS ANGELES, CA – In his first game back coaching against his former team, Todd McLellan emphasized a singular focus: the performance of his current squad. The Winnipeg Jets coach deflected questions about the Los Angeles Kings, stating he’s “enough issues with our team and how we’re playing and what we need to do,” and declined to assess the Kings’ strengths or weaknesses, acknowledging only they possess “an outstanding group of players and a good coaching staff.”
McLellan’s return to Los Angeles was marked by a sense of familiarity extending beyond the arena itself.He noted the warm reception from long-time staff – security personnel and trainers – and media members he’d worked with during his tenure with the Kings. “It’s not necessarily the location, the rink or anything like that,” McLellan explained. ”It’s the people.”
His time with the Kings spanned 338 games, resulting in a record of 164-130-44 for a .550 points percentage. McLellan’s first two seasons coincided with a franchise rebuild. He acknowledged the swift and often unpredictable nature of the NHL, recalling a dramatic shift in the Kings’ fortunes after a strong 20-7-4 start to the 2023-24 season. He was ultimately relieved of his duties in January 2024 after a downturn in performance.
Despite the circumstances of his departure,McLellan expressed no lingering resentment. He revealed he’s maintained a positive relationship with former Kings General Manager Rob Blake and current head coach Jim Hiller, who served as an assistant under McLellan starting in 2022, and hoped to connect with Blake on Wednesday.
“That’s how fast the game can turn on you,” McLellan said. “I know the players-the texts and calls that I got after that-I know Blakey and the management team, nobody feels good about any of that. You never want it to happen. I haven’t lost any friendships over what happened. I understand how it effectively works.”
Throughout his 18-season NHL coaching career, McLellan has achieved a .582 points percentage. While playoff success eluded him during his time in Los Angeles, he reflected on his experience with fondness. “I don’t think about the end,” he stated. “I think about the journey… I wouldn’t trade it for anything. It was an unreal experience… Zero regrets.” He added, acknowledging the realities of the profession, “You either retire or you get fired… I wasn’t ready to be done, so I’m working again.”
