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Kings Coaching Search: Interim Coach a Candidate
2 May
Summary
- Interim coach D.J. Smith is a candidate for the Los Angeles Kings' full-time job.
- The Kings aim to address significant offensive struggles and special teams issues.
- Anze Kopitar's retirement leaves a major void at captain and center position.
The Los Angeles Kings are embarking on a search for a new head coach, with interim bench boss D.J. Smith on the candidate list. General Manager Ken Holland plans to interview five to eight individuals, seeking a coach who can elevate the team beyond its recent first-round playoff exits.
Holland expressed dissatisfaction with the season's outcome, citing the team's 29th-ranked offense and failure to advance in the postseason since their 2014 Stanley Cup victory. He indicated a potential shift away from the team's traditional defense-first philosophy to address scoring droughts.
The Kings face a crucial transition following the retirement of captain Anze Kopitar. His departure creates a significant leadership vacuum and requires finding a high-usage center to absorb his minutes and contributions.
While acknowledging the team's solid defense at even strength, Holland stressed the urgent need to improve offensive generation and special teams. Power play and penalty kill units ranked near the bottom of the league, contributing to the team's overall goal-scoring struggles.
Holland plans to add talent to the roster after securing a new coach, aiming to build a more competitive team around existing veteran players and emerging talent like Quinton Byfield.
