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If McLellan coaches Oilers, assistant Jay Woodcroft would join in package deal

Jerome Miron / USA TODAY Sports

There might not be a contract, or even a handshake, completed as of yet, but the Edmonton Oilers' coaching staff already appears to be taking shape.

Currently coaching team Canada overseas at the World Championship, Todd McLellan - the presumed front-runner for the Oilers' position - continues to be candid about his future in the NHL, telling reporters he comes in a bundle with fellow San Jose Sharks castoff Jay Woodcroft.

"Jay, if I get the opportunity to move on, will be part of my staff. I believe in him that much," McLellan told Terry Jones of the Edmonton Sun.

"I think it's really important when you find a guy that you can trust and who can keep you organized and prepared and works his butt off. It's essential. And that's the plan for me as I move forward."

McLellan and Woodcroft have spent the last 10 seasons working on the same staff, each making the move from the Detroit Red Wings to San Jose in 2008.

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