SEARCH
                 


The real reason the Columbus Blue Jackets' deal with Todd McLellan fell through


PUBLICATION
Tom Banks
July 11, 2024  (3:11 PM)
SHARE THIS STORY




Former Los Angeles Kings Head Coach Todd McLellan.
Photo credit: Sportsnet

The Columbus Blue Jackets are still in need of a new Head Coach, and now we can rule Todd McLellan out for a very interesting reason.

For some time now, former Los Angeles Kings Head Coach Todd McLellan has been seen as a major candidate for the same role in Columbus, but now it's been confirmed he won't get the role. After being let go by the Kings last year, McLellan was looking to get back behind the bench in a hurry, but it's the contract that he signed with the Kings that is stopping this deal from happening.
Refreshing this one. Told that #LAKings were willing to eat up to $2 million of McLellan's remaining $5.5 million for '24-25, leaving #CBJ to pay $3.5 million next season plus a different (unknown annual salary) for additional years
According to a report, the Kings were willing to retain $2 million salary of McLellan for the upcoming season, but that left him with $3.5 million to be paid, and in the end, the Blue Jackets just didn't believe hiring McLellan for that money would ultimately be worth it. The 2024 NHL Draft and the beginning of free agency have now come and gone, and the Blue Jackets still don't have a Head Coach, and while we know it won't be McLellan, the team need answers soon.
The team have reportedly been interested in the newly reinstated Joel Quenneville, according to Sports Illustrated, but it's not known who else is in the running, so expect to see some big updates on that front in the coming weeks.

pub