The San Jose Sharks pretended not to fire coach Todd McLellan on Monday by announcing that he and the team "mutually agreed to part ways" after seven seasons together, the most recent concluding without a postseason berth.
It was inevitable, like death, taxes and seeing a commercial for Game of War, assuming you own a TV, computer, phone and eyes.
McLellan's fate wasn't sealed after last offseason's discord, but it was in the envelope. The Sharks squandered a 3-0 series lead against the rival Los Angeles Kings in the first round of the 2014 playoffs, attempted to force the franchise's best player, Joe Thornton, out the door with a smear campaign questioning his dedication and leadership and replaced Dan Boyle with John Scott.
After an 111-point regular season, it was time for a rebuild. A weird, partial, unnecessary rebuild centered around trading Thornton, a player with a no-trade clause who did not want to be traded.
General manager Doug Wilson, who still has his job, spoke to the media Monday about the situation:
We were very, very transparent last summer in what we were going to do.&n ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Dave Lozo
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