Todd McLellan
Todd McLellan with the Broncos (photo from scbroncos.com)

Former Swift Current Broncos Coach/GM Todd McLellan is now a free agent.

He and the San Jose Sharks have "mutually agreed to part ways" after almost seven years.

“I want to thank Todd and his staff for their years of service to the San Jose Sharks organization,” Sharks GM Doug Wilson told the team's official website. “Sometimes a change is best for all parties involved but nothing will take away from what Todd and his staff accomplished here over the last seven seasons.”

McLellan first became head coach of the Sharks on June 12, 2008. He went 311-163-66 over that time setting a franchise record for coaching wins and games coached.

“San Jose will always hold a special place for me and my family,” said McLellan. “I would like to thank Doug and the Sharks organization for allowing me the opportunity to coach at the National Hockey League level. While we both agree that a change is in the best interest of myself and the team, I’m proud of what we accomplished as an organization.”

McLellan led the Sharks to three division titles and won the President's Trophy for the best regular season record in the NHL. He also brought the team to two Western Conference finals and made the playoffs in six of his seven seasons behind the bench.

Now McLellan turns his focus to his duties as head coach for Team Canada at the World Hockey Championship. He is also free to pursue any NHL openings so long as he keeps the Sharks aware of those conversations.

McLellan coached the Swift Current Broncos for six seasons. He won both the WHL Coach of the Year and WHL Executive of the Year during that time.