It’s coach firing SEASON in the NHL right now. Just a few weeks after Chicago Blackhawks legendary coach Joel Quenneville was let go by the team, Todd McLellan and Mike Yeo also got the boot within 24 hours of each other.
Coaching changes come as the result of underachievement, but the disappointed showing in the standings isn’t always on the coach. In the case of Todd McLellan’s Edmonton Oilers, some would say that the players and to blame, others would blame Peter Chiarelli for some questionable moves (Jordan Eberle and Taylor Hall trades, as well as Milan Lucic’s contract are the go-to’s for Oilers fans).
No matter the case, it is often the coach who has the ax fall on them first.
While talking to reporters, Connor McDavid acknowledged this idea by explaining that the players are to blame, and even goes as far as to say “it’s not Todd’s fault at all”.
This could be McDavid trying to avoid making waves, but he also brought it up on his own without directly being asked. Overall, it’s hard for anyone to blame McDavid. The man has 28 points on the year, tied with Mitch Marner for 3rd in the league overall, and he is still generally thought of as one of the league’s most desirable players to roster despite Edmonton’s struggles.
We’ll see if veteran coach Mike Hitchcock is able to make a difference in Oil City, and if he can somehow send Captain McDavid to an even higher level.
(H/T Oilers TV)
