Latest Kings Reign: D.J. Smith’s Challenge to Revive a Stumbling Team
The Los Angeles Kings have a new voice behind the bench. D.J. Smith has stepped into the role of interim head coach, tasked with reigniting a team still haunted by past failures and struggling to find its identity. The move, announced Monday, March 2, 2026, signals a clear attempt to shake up a season that hasn’t lived up to expectations.
The Weight of Last Season’s Loss
Smith’s immediate focus isn’t on complex tactical adjustments, but on a deeper, more psychological hurdle. He’s identified the devastating loss to the Edmonton Oilers in the previous spring’s playoffs as a lingering weight on the team. The Kings led that series 2-0 and held leads in subsequent games, a fact that continues to resonate. Smith believes this defeat has eroded the team’s confidence, leading to a hesitant approach to games this season.
“That particular loss, the way we lost, somehow carried on to this season and it ends now,” Smith stated. He aims to create a “fresh start,” urging players to abandon the past behind and rediscover a belief in their abilities.
Familiar Face, New Responsibility
While the coaching change is significant, Smith isn’t an outsider. He joined the Kings organization in 2024 as an assistant coach and was promoted to associate coach last season. This familiarity offers a degree of continuity amidst the upheaval. He understands the players and the existing systems, allowing for a potentially smoother transition.
Smith’s initial message to the locker room centered on a “clean slate,” emphasizing energy, work ethic, and a return to the confidence and “swagger” that characterized the team last season. Forward Adrian Kempe acknowledged the team has been “hoping” to win games, rather than playing with the conviction of a team expecting victory, particularly at home.
Restoring Confidence and Accountability
Smith’s approach is rooted in accountability. He acknowledged his own role in the team’s struggles, stating that a coaching change often indicates widespread underperformance. He emphasized the need for players to take ownership of their individual contributions and to rediscover their strengths.
“Our guys have to take confidence in that we’re a quality enough team,” Smith said. “We’ve got good players, we’ve got good young players and we’ve got to start feeling better about ourselves.”
Immediate Challenges and Long-Term Goals
The Kings face an immediate test with a game against the NHL-leading Colorado Avalanche. While Smith doesn’t anticipate drastic changes overnight, he’s focused on establishing a stronger mentality and a renewed commitment to effort and attitude. He expects to make “a couple of tweaks” to the team’s play, but recognizes the limited timeframe for implementing significant changes.
Smith highlighted areas for improvement, including defensive lapses, particularly in preventing odd-man rushes, and a need to find a better balance between defense and offense. He likewise addressed the power play’s lack of identity, emphasizing the importance of puck retrieval. He expressed trust in the team’s young players and a willingness to give them more opportunities.
He stressed the importance of outworking opponents, acknowledging that while every team says it, it’s a crucial element of success. He also pinpointed the team’s struggles at home, where they currently rank 30th in the NHL with only 9 wins.
What Smith Expects: Effort and Attitude
Smith’s philosophy centers on two controllable elements: effort and attitude. He expects the Kings to consistently outwork their opponents, acknowledging the difficulty but emphasizing its importance. He described his communication style as positive, but also vocal and demanding.
He didn’t guarantee a playoff berth, but made it clear that qualifying for the postseason remains the team’s goal. His first press conference was described as “direct, accountable and proactive,” offering a sense of renewed energy and purpose.
For those interested in a deeper dive, Smith’s full press conference is available to view here.
FAQ
Q: What was Jim Hiller’s role before being fired?
A: Jim Hiller was the Head Coach of the Los Angeles Kings.
Q: What is D.J. Smith’s previous experience with the Kings?
A: D.J. Smith was an assistant coach and later an associate coach with the Kings, joining the organization in 2024.
Q: What is the Kings’ immediate challenge?
A: The Kings’ next game is against the NHL-leading Colorado Avalanche.
Q: What is Smith’s primary focus as the new coach?
A: Smith’s primary focus is to restore the team’s confidence and address the lingering impact of last season’s playoff loss.
