There’s a long list of available coaching talents who could fill the Flyers' vacancy.
Some have job in the NHL. Some in the AHL and some are recently unemployed.
One hit the open market on Monday and is certain to draw interest from general manager Ron Hextall: San Jose’s Todd McLellan.
The Sharks announced that the club and its 47-year-old coach had “mutually” parted ways.
Sources said last week that McLellan was among the top three coaches the Flyers had interest in, along with Mike Babcock and Claude Julien, if they became available.
“I want to thank Todd and his staff for their years of service to the San Jose Sharks organization,” Sharks GM Doug Wilson said.
“Sometimes a change is best for all parties involved, but nothing will take away from what Todd and his staff accomplished here over the last seven seasons.”
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McLellan had been with the Sharks since the 2008-09 season. His club had seven playoff appearances, two Western Conference finals appearances (2010 and 2011), three Pacific Division titles and one Presidents’ Trophy.
McLellan is the Sharks’ all-time leader in coaching victories (311) and points percentage (.637). He had a 311-163-66 record in San Jose and 30-32 playoff record with some very good clubs that probably should have won a Stanley Cup and didn’t.
“San Jose will always hold a special place for me and my family,” McLellan said. “I would like to thank Doug and the Sharks organization for allowing me the opportunity to coach at the National Hockey League level.
“While we both agree that a change is in the best interest of myself and the team, I'm proud of what we accomplished as an organization.”
Hextall said on Saturday he has not scheduled any interviews and is still compiling a list of candidates.
“I have not scheduled any interviews, I’ve started gathering a list. That’s where we’re at right now,” Hextall said. “I’m not going to go public with things either. But you’ve got to get a list together. That’s the first part of the process.”
How many names?
“It’s not done, but by the time it’s done there will be a hell of a lot,” Hextall replied. “You’ve got to look at everything, and then you can narrow it down pretty quickly.”
Asked about his future plans in the NHL, McLellan said he needed time. He will leave this week for the Czech Republic where he will coach Team Canada at the IIHF World Championships.
The Flyers' Claude Giroux, Sean Couturier and Brayden Schenn are on that roster.
“Today is an emotional day,” he said in a conference call. “My mind is in a lot of different places right now … Where I go from here, I guess I somewhat control. There are other people out there who have to make decisions. I am comfortable with my career so far. I have no regrets in San Jose and feel good moving forward.”