The Buffalo Sabres are quickly moving ahead with their coaching search and an experienced candidate has come to the forefront.

TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie reports that Todd McLellan is a leading - if not the leading - candidate for the vacancy.

The team fired Phil Housley after two seasons on Sunday.

McKenzie cautions that McLellan has also been in negotiation with the Los Angeles Kings and they appear to remain in the mix for his services.

McLellan, 51, was fired 20 games into the 2018-2019 season by the Edmonton Oilers. He was in his fourth year behind the bench of the club.

Prior to joining the Oilers, McLellan spent seven seasons as head coach of the San Jose Sharks.

In his 10 full seasons, McLellan's teams missed the playoffs on only three occasions.

His 434 wins are 33rd all-time among NHL coaches.

The Sabres are looking for a fifth coach since the firing of Lindy Ruff in 2013.

Buffalo has not qualified for the playoffs since 2011, the longest active postseason futility streak in the NHL.