The Kings have plenty of work to do to get back into the playoffs after finishing last in the Pacific Division (31-42-9). Their goal differential of minus-60 was the worst in the NHL last season. Only Kopitar and forward Dustin Brown scored more than 20 goals (each had 22). After allowing the fewest goals in the NHL in 2017-18 (2.46 per game), the Kings were 22nd last season (3.26).
McLellan was 434-282-90 in 11 seasons with the San Jose Sharks and Edmonton Oilers. He has guided his teams to the the playoffs seven times, including six of his seven seasons with San Jose. He's 37-38 in the postseason.
Kopitar said he likes what McLellan could bring to the Kings, especially on special teams. The Sharks' special teams were especially good under him. The power play was in the NHL's top 10 in his first six seasons. The Sharks' penalty kill ranked in the top 10 in four seasons. Last season, the Kings ranked 27th on the power play (15.8 percent) and 29th on the penalty kill (76.5 percent).
"There are some new dynamics that Todd's going to bring, for sure," Kopitar said. "I know his special teams are really, really good, always. So that's maybe the biggest thing that I remember. I mean, playing against him in San Jose and Edmonton and even as an assistant in Detroit (under Mike Babcock from 2005-08). So I'm sure there's going to be an emphasis on that."