Former Oilers coach blocked inexplicably from coaching in NHL again

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Liam McCormick
July 21, 2024 (4:53 PM)

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Former Oilers coach Todd Nelson has proved time and again that he belongs in the NHL, but inexplicably can't get hired anywhere else.

A number of Oilers insiders have spoken recently about Nelson's exemplary record in the AHL in the last few years, but still, he wasn't even in consideration for the last coaching gig available in Columbus - Jay Woodcroft however has been interviewed.

In his last four AHL seasons with the Hershey Bears and Grand Rapids Griffiths, Nelson's team has won the Calder Cup three times and have fully dominated the league. In 77 games last season, Nelson's Hershey Bears won an astounding 53 games.

Todd Nelson took over as head coach of the Oilers in the 2014-15 season after the team fired Dallas Eakins, and Nelson coached the team to a respectable record with a seriously subpar roster. Afterwards Nelson spent 4 more seasons as an assistant coach with the Dallas Stars, before returning to the AHL as a head coach. It looks like it may be unlikely that the 55 year old ever returns to the NHL as a head coach now.

As mentioned before, only one coaching job is vacant in the NHL currently with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Jay Woodcroft and Dean Evason have reportedly interviewed for the job already, and a decision will be reached in the next few days. Unfortunately for Nelson, he'll have to wait at least one more year to get back into the show.

Source: Jonathan Willis

Nelson inexplicably not hired in NHL again