Peter DeBoer to replace Todd McLellan behind Sharks' bench

The San Jose Sharks are expected to name Peter DeBoer as their next head coach before the end of the week, a source said.

Sharks general manager Doug Wilson, when reached by ESPN.com, declined to comment, but the Sharks have scheduled a news conference for Thursday at 4 p.m. to introduce their new coach.

DeBoer, who coached the New Jersey Devils to a berth in the 2012 Stanley Cup finals, was fired by the Devils 36 games into this season, his fourth behind the Devils bench. He also coached the Florida Panthers from the 2008-09 season through 2010-11.

Before that, DeBoer was a decorated major junior coach in Canada, winning the Memorial Cup in 2003 with the Ontario Hockey League's Kitchener Rangers.

DeBoer will replace Todd McLellan behind the Sharks' bench. In a mutual decision with management after the season, McLellan split ways with the Sharks after seven seasons. He has since been hired as the Edmonton Oilers' new coach.

San Jose went 40-33-9 this past season.