Adam Oates was linked to the San Jose Sharks back when the head coaching position was still on the table. That job ultimately went to Peter DeBoer, but Oates might still join the Sharks’ staff as an assistant coach, per TSN.
Oates had a 65-48-17 record in two seasons as the bench boss in Washington. He was let go after the Capitals failed to make the playoffs in 2013-14, but joined the New Jersey Devils as a co-coach after DeBoer was fired. Oates has reportedly informed New Jersey that he will not return after missing out on that head coaching job to John Hynes.