NHL Rumors: Insider claims as many as four teams have interviewed Todd McLellan for HC role

Todd McLellan's name has appeared in the swirling vortex of NHL coaching rumors. McLellan is among the leading contenders for the Toronto Maple Leafs' head coaching position as they seek a replacement for Sheldon Keefe.

On Friday, NHL insider Pierre LeBrun disclosed that McLellan has engaged in discussions with multiple teams through a post on X.

"As the coaching carousel continues to swirl," McLellan tweeted, "Todd McLellan has been a popular target. He met with Leafs Monday-Tuesday (all signs point to Craig Berube as the Leafs front runner) but McLellan also spoke with the Jets yesterday. And he has also spoken with NJ and Seattle…"

Besides the Maple Leafs, McLellan has also engaged in discussions with the Winnipeg Jets, New Jersey Devils and Seattle Kraken.

Kings part ways with Trent Yawney three months after firing Todd McLellan

On Thursday, the Los Angeles Kings announced that they have mutually parted ways with assistant coach Trent Yawney. This decision adds to the coaching changes of the team following the firing of head coach Todd McLellan in February. Jim Hiller is the team's interim head coach, and D.J. Smith, who joined in February, remains an assistant with an uncertain future.

General manager Rob Blake thanked Yawney for his contributions:

“We appreciate all that Trent has contributed over the past five seasons and thank him for his dedication to the organization.”

Under Trent Yawney's guidance, the Kings improved their defensive ranking from 24th to 2nd in the NHL. Yawney, who managed the penalty kill and defense, could have his responsibilities transferred to Smith if retained.

Trent Yawney joined the Kings with Todd McLellan in 2019. He previously worked with him in San Jose and Edmonton. Despite getting fired, McLellan has attracted interest from multiple teams with coaching vacancies, and Yawney could rejoin McLellan in his future endeavors.

This is what McLellan had to say about Yawney after the Kings hired him back in 2019:

“Trent has an incredible amount of experience coaching all different types of defensemen. He has played with and coached several Norris Trophy winners and Hall of Famers... he has played and coached the game at a high level, and he is a tremendous teacher.”

Yawney's departure marks another significant change in the Kings' coaching staff, emphasizing the organization's ongoing transition.