BLOG: McLellan details his assistants' strengths

EDMONTON, AB - Oilers Head Coach Todd McLellan pinpointed his new assistants' strengths Friday during a conference call, beginning with former Anaheim Ducks assistant coach Trent Yawney.
"When I look at Trent Yawney, he's a coach that I've worked with in the past," said McLellan. So, I understand him well and he understands my personality well. He's done a tremendous job with the penalty units in San Jose, Anaheim and anywhere else he's coached in the minor-league system."
McLellan emphasized Yawney's ability to develop defenceman, something he did with Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook in Chicago as a head coach and most recently with the Ducks' defence core.
"His track record speaks for itself when you look at Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook and some of the defencemen that came through the Chicago organization during his time," McLellan said. "And then, of course, the young defencemen that Anaheim possesses at this point. He's had his fingerprints on their development from Day 1. He's done a tremendous job.
McLellan then delved into former Calgary Flames bench boss Glen Gulutzan:
"Glen Gulutzan has a variety of experiences at the National Hockey League level as well as the minor-league level. He understands what it's like to be a head coach, especially in Canada, western Canada and in particular, Alberta. That's a strong asset for us to have. He brings an upbeat personality and a good hockey mind. I'm going to use him in all situations."
McLellan finished with former Swift Current Broncos head coach Emanuel Viveiros.
"Emanuel Viveiros is an up-and-coming coach," said McLellan. "He's a mature individual - in his 50s - but he's an up-and-coming coach. He has a talent level that hasn't been tapped yet. What do I mean by that is he has a very strong European background. He was a very offensive defenceman when he played. Has very strong power play sets and results in his European teams as well as his junior teams. We'll obviously lean in that direction with his skill sets.
"As a group, the personalities fit each other. Yawn's is a little more stringent and straightforward, Emanuel is fresh and new and Gully has an upbeat personality. We think it will all fit."