Should GM Rob Blake Share Blame for Firing Todd McLellan?
The Los Angeles Kings made a surprising move on Friday when they fired coach Todd McLellan. While many may argue that McLellan was solely responsible for the Kings’ recent struggles, it’s important to consider the larger issues at play. General manager Rob Blake has been under scrutiny for his roster moves and it’s time to question whether he should share some of the blame for McLellan’s firing.
The Kings have found themselves in a downward spiral over the past month, with only three wins in 17 games. This is not just a rough spell that every team goes through; it’s a concerning trend for a team with the talent and expectations of the Kings. McLellan’s dismissal may provide some satisfaction to those who wanted Blake to take action sooner, but it doesn’t address the underlying problems that have plagued the team.
Blake’s trade for Pierre-Luc Dubois, which was meant to strengthen the roster, has backfired. Dubois has struggled to find his place on the team and hasn’t lived up to expectations. The Kings also gave up valuable talent in the trade, including Gabriel Vilardi and Alex Iafallo, who have thrived with their new teams. Blake’s roster moves have left the Kings with limited options to improve before the trade deadline.
McLellan certainly deserves some blame for the team’s struggles, particularly in his handling of goaltender Cam Talbot. Talbot was overplayed early in the season, and his current struggles have raised questions about Blake’s decision to rely on a 36-year-old goalie. Additionally, McLellan’s inability to get the best out of Dubois is not entirely his fault. Blake knew about Dubois’ past issues with other teams and still made the trade.
There are also concerns about McLellan’s handling of young defensemen Jordan Spence and Brandt Clarke. While the two were meant to provide added offensive threat on the back end, they have struggled to find their stride under McLellan’s guidance. This raises questions about whether McLellan is the right coach to take the Kings to the next level.
Despite these criticisms, McLellan should be acknowledged for his role in establishing a foundation for the team. He successfully led the Kings to a surprise appearance in the playoffs in 2022 and got the team to play structured hockey that played to the strengths of veterans like Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty. However, his track record of coming close but falling short suggests that he may not be the coach to take the team to the next level.
With McLellan out, interim coach Jim Hiller now has the task of turning the team around for the rest of the season. If he can provide a new voice and ignite confidence in the players, then Blake’s decision to fire McLellan may be justified. However, if the team fails to reach the playoffs, Blake may find himself facing scrutiny for his own role in the team’s struggles.
In conclusion, while Todd McLellan’s firing may have been necessary, it’s important to consider the larger issues at play. General manager Rob Blake’s roster moves and decisions have contributed to the team’s struggles, and he should share some of the blame. With interim coach Jim Hiller now at the helm, the Kings must find a way to turn their season around and prove that Blake made the right decision. Otherwise, both McLellan and Blake may find themselves out of a job.