EXCLUSIVE: John MacLean’s Legacy Through The Eyes Of His Son, Kyle
Kyle MacLean reflects on playing for his father John MacLean, the Devils Ring of Honor night, and growing his NHL career with the Islanders.
ELMONT, NY — New York Islanders forward Kyle MacLean’s game hasn’t changed since he broke into the NHL back in 2023-24.
However, this season has been different, as it’s his first without his father, John MacLean, on the coaching staff.
Say what you want about coach MacLean’s success with the Islanders from 2022-2025, but seeing a father get the opportunity to coach his son, see his son score his first career NHL goal, living out his dream, is pretty cool.
Looking through the history of the league, it’s a rare occurrence, with Bob Pulford coaching son, Bob Pulford Jr., with the Chicago Blackhawks in the 1970s.
On Jan. 27, Kyle was on hand for John’s induction into the New Jersey Devils Ring of Honor.
John played 14 seasons with the Devils, recording 701 points (347 goals, 354 assists) in 934 regular-season games. Over that time, the Devils qualified for seven postseason berths, winning the Stanley Cup in 1994-95, where he recorded 18 points (five goals, 13 assists) in 20 postseason games.
In total, MacLean had 75 points (31 goals, 44 assists) in 88 postseason games.
After retiring following the 2001-02 season, MacLean went right into coaching, becoming an assistant with the Devils — he was the head coach for a minute — before stops in Carolina, Arizona, and San Jose, before the Islanders.
Now, John is taking a breather for the first time since 1983.
I caught up with Kyle to talk about his father’s career, if he knew how good his dad really was, what it was like to have John on the bench, and what his conversations with John are like now when it comes to growing his game:
Stefen Rosner: How was your dad’s event?
Kyle MacLean: “It was really cool. It was fun to be a part of it. It was cool that I got to go. They did a great job. He was very excited. I got to see a lot of people that I hadn’t seen in a long time — good family friends. A lot of people came to support. So it was really cool seeing that. It was a fun night.”
Rosner: Is this the first year your dad hasn’t worked since his playing days?
MacLean: “Yeah. He’s been coaching ever since I’ve been playing, since I was a kid. He did a couple of years there at MSG Network, but he was still involved in the game. This is kind of his first year fully where he’s taken off and can rest and relax. So it was good timing for that. It’s good that he got to be honored like that. I think he’s really excited. It’s been a long time coming.”
Rosner: What do you remember from when he was playing?
MacLean: “I saw a lot of clips the past couple of days leading up to it. That’s mostly what I know from his playing days — the highlights and stuff. I saw a lot of them, some funny ones too. Goals, fights, whatever it was. It was cool to see.”
Rosner: Did you realize how good he was growing up?
MacLean: “Obviously, you think he’s great either way. But as I got older, I appreciated him more — how well he did in this league. When I turned pro and even playing in the NHL, you realize some of the numbers he put up aren’t easy to do. Growing up in New Jersey, where he spent a lot of his career, I knew about it a little bit. But I definitely appreciated it more as I got older and understood how difficult it is and how impressive it was. Looking back, it’s really cool that he got to coach me for a little bit. In the moment, it’s different because it’s more professional than father-son. But looking back, it’s unique. Not many people get to have that situation. We’re definitely fortunate we got to have that time together.”
Rosner: Is he more critical of your play now than when he was coaching?
MacLean: “Maybe a little bit. We probably didn’t talk as much about it when he was coaching because we didn’t want it to seem like there were favorites or anything like that. Now it’s more like it was before — father and son. He can have a different viewpoint. He can be more in my corner, more for me, rather than having to put the team first in that situation. It’s just a different relationship. But we definitely talk more about hockey now.”
Rosner: What does Lou Lamoriello mean to your career?
MacLean: “Him and Chris gave me a shot on an AHL deal a couple years ago. I’m very fortunate I got a chance. I went to a couple of different rookie camps and wasn’t really sure what would happen. Then I signed that AHL deal during COVID, so you didn’t really know what was going to happen. I was able to find a role down in Bridgeport and kind of grow from there. Obviously, they gave me a shot here, which I’m very appreciative of. I saw Lou the other night. He’s a great man. I think everybody in this room who’s had him would say the same. Everybody has tons of respect for him. I’m very fortunate they gave me the opportunity.”
Rosner: How special is it playing in the NHL?
MacLean: “It’s really special. You’ve definitely got to savor your time here and not take it for granted. It’s a great life. They treat you very well. You’re very fortunate to play in such a good league. It’s difficult. There are ups and downs. But it’s very special. For all of us, it’s kind of a dream come true just to play a game — let alone a couple of seasons or whatever it is. So we’re very fortunate.”
Having coached both my sons a bunch through minor hockey, I can only imagine how awesome it must have been for John to coach Kyle for a couple years in the NHL. Very special.
Nice Story, John Mac was an NHL player (Cup Winner) and is a good coach. Kyle is a good AHL player, and has provided depth. However as soon as Danny Nelson leaves ND he is penciled in at 4C.