Sharks to name DeBoer coach on Thursday: report

Peter DeBoer reportedly will be announced as San Jose Sharks coach Thursday.

The Sharks have scheduled a press conference for 1 p.m. PT Thursday to introduce DeBoer as their coach, the San Jose Mercury News reported.

The newspaper said Sharks players have been invited to the event at SAP Center.

"From everything I've heard, he's the right guy for this job," forward Tommy Wingels told the newspaper. "I know the players here, I haven't talked to too many, but the guys I have been in contact with, we're excited for him to be at the reins of this team."

DeBoer was fired by the New Jersey Devils after 36 games last season, his fourth with the team. In 2011-12, his first season, he coached the Devils to the Stanley Cup Final.

"The guys who are here are looking forward to having him in town and getting to know him," Wingels said. "And I'm sure he'll want to get to know the players that are here, that he'll reach out to guys. That's all part of the process."

DeBoer would replace Todd McLellan, who left the Sharks on April 20 after seven seasons. McLellan coached the Sharks to the Stanley Cup Playoffs in his first six seasons, but this season they finished eight points behind the Calgary Flames for third place in the Pacific Division.

DeBoer was an assistant to McLellan on the Canada staff at the 2015 IIHF World Championship.

"I'm sure he had questions to ask of Todd during this whole process, having a relationship with him," Wingels said.

DeBoer coached the Florida Panthers for three seasons (2008-2011). In parts of seven seasons, he was 217-200-77. The trip to the 2012 Final is the only time he's coached in the playoffs.

Sharks director of player development Larry Robinson was an assistant on DeBoer's staff with the Devils.

"I enjoyed working with him," Robinson said. "He's a very detailed, smart hockey man. I think he'll make a good choice."

The Devils are not seeking compensation from the Sharks for hiring DeBoer, Northjersey.com reported. DeBoer had one year left on his contract with New Jersey.

McLellan was hired as coach of the Edmonton Oilers on May 19.

The Sharks also reportedly considered Dan Bylsma, Randy Carlyle, Adam Oates and Dave Lowry.