Former Oilers Coach Todd Nelson's NHL Reentry: A Perplexing Dilemma
In the intricate world of NHL coaching carousels, few stories are as perplexing as that of Todd Nelson, whose commendable track record seems overshadowed by an inexplicable absence from the list of top coaching candidates.
Despite a sterling resume with notable successes in the AHL, Nelson finds himself sidelined, his prospects of rejoining the NHL as a head coach growing dimmer.
Nelson's journey through the hockey ranks has been marked by remarkable achievements, particularly in the AHL where he has left an indelible mark. Over the past four seasons, his leadership with the Hershey Bears and Grand Rapids Griffiths has brought home three Calder Cup trophies, dominating the league with an enviable consistency. Last season alone, the Hershey Bears triumphed in 53 of their 77 games under his guidance, a testament to his effective coaching strategies and deep understanding of the game.
Despite these successes, Nelson's transition back to the NHL has been thwarted by unforeseen barriers. After a brief stint as the head coach of the Edmonton Oilers in the 2014-15 season, following the dismissal of Dallas Eakins, Nelson seemed poised for more prominent roles. He managed a respectable team performance, despite the challenges of a less-than-ideal roster. Subsequently, Nelson spent four seasons as an assistant coach with the Dallas Stars before returning to the AHL.
This brings us to the current scenario, where despite his proven track record, Nelson was notably absent from consideration for the recently available coaching position with the Columbus Blue Jackets, a job that saw candidates like Jay Woodcroft and Dean Evason being interviewed. The decision on this role is expected in the coming days, leaving Nelson out of the fray and possibly facing another year without an NHL head coaching position.
The coaching landscape in the NHL is as unpredictable as the game on the ice, and Nelson's situation highlights this volatility. At 55, his window for returning as a head coach in the NHL may be closing, but his achievements should not be understated.
As the coaching saga unfolds, one can only hope that Nelson's accomplishments will eventually pave the way for another opportunity in the league where many believe he rightfully belongs. Meanwhile, the hockey community watches and waits, pondering the complexities of professional sports hiring practices and the enigmatic nature of coaching careers at the elite level.
Source: Jonathan Willis
Nelson inexplicably not hired in NHL again
| POLL | ||
Do you believe Nelson will lead an NHL team once more as head coach? | ||
| Yes, for sure | 42 | 51.9 % |
| No, just not a fit | 39 | 48.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
