Friedman: Todd McLellan will be Oilers' coach 'barring a major collapse'

Todd McLellan's return flight from the Czech Republic might take him straight to Edmonton.

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman said in a radio interview Wednesday afternoon that "barring a major collapse" in negotiations, McLellan will be named coach of the Edmonton Oilers when he returns from coaching Canada at the World Championship.

Friedman added that, to his knowledge, an agreement has not been reached, but the announcement won't be made by the Oilers' new-look front office while McLellan is overseas, anyway.

This doesn't yet eliminate Mike Babcock from contention, but pours more cold water on the belief that he could spurn the Detroit Red Wings and jump at the opportunity to coach Connor McDavid and the young Oilers.

McLellan has developed a strong rapport with Jordan Eberle and Taylor Hall, who are serving under the long-time San Jose Sharks bench boss in Prague.