Report: Oilers' former interim coach Nelson given permission to look elsewhere

For teams seeking a new head coach, there is another potential candidate.

After hiring former San Jose Sharks head coach Todd McLellan last week, the Edmonton Oilers have granted former interim head coach Todd Nelson permission to speak with other NHL clubs about possible coaching jobs, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

"Todd Nelson has been given the option to go look and see what else is out there, he has told the Oilers he wants to be a head coach," said Friedman during Hockey Night in Canada. "They'd like to keep him on their staff or in the organization if they can and they will circle back with him in a couple weeks."

Nelson took over the head coaching position for the Oilers when the team relieved Dallas Eakins of his duties after 31 games.