Los Angeles Kings’ Coaching Future
In a recent debriefing concerning the Los Angeles Kings’ future, General Manager Ken Holland indicated that while D.J. Smith remains the interim head coach, he is not guaranteed to hold the permanent position. Holland is actively searching for potential candidates to assume the role, and he has compiled a list of approximately five to eight prospects, suggesting a mix of varying levels of coaching experience.
Potential Candidates
The Kings are exploring several veteran coaches with established records, which may include individuals like Bruce Cassidy, Peter Laviolette, and Gerard Gallant, who all bring significant accomplishments from their time in the NHL.
Bruce Cassidy
Bruce Cassidy stands out as a prime candidate for teams aspiring towards playoff success. He has a proven track record, having driven two different teams to the Stanley Cup finals, including the Boston Bruins in 2019 and more recently, the Vegas Golden Knights, who claimed their first championship under his leadership in 2023. His recognition as the NHL’s top coach in 2020 with the Jack Adams Trophy further solidifies his reputation as a strategic mastermind. Now a free agent after being dismissed by the Golden Knights in March, he is expected to be a strong contender for Holland’s vision.
Peter Laviolette
Another formidable option for the Kings is Peter Laviolette, who has an extensive coaching history in the NHL with over 1,500 games under his belt. He captured the Stanley Cup with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2006 and has made two additional finals appearances with the Philadelphia Flyers and Nashville Predators. Laviolette spent the previous season away from coaching after finishing a two-year tenure with the New York Rangers, which saw mixed outcomes: an Eastern Conference finals appearance followed by a disappointing season that led to his departure.
Gerard Gallant
Gerard Gallant also finds himself in talks as a possible successor. He gained notoriety as the first coach of the Vegas Golden Knights, leading them to the Stanley Cup finals in their inaugural season in 2017 and earning the Jack Adams Trophy for his efforts. Most recently, Gallant managed the Shanghai Dragons in the KHL but resigned midway through the season. His experiences and prior successes make him a valuable addition to any coaching shortlist.
Conclusion
As the Kings assess their options moving forward, it will be intriguing to see whether they choose to continue with Smith in a more permanent capacity or embrace the wealth of coaching talent available in the offseason. Holland’s approach will undoubtedly be critical as he navigates this pivotal decision for the team’s future in the 2026-27 season.
