Kings Shake Up Coaching Staff: What Does It Mean for the Team’s Future?
The Los Angeles Kings made a significant move on Sunday, relieving Jim Hiller of his coaching duties and naming D.J. Smith as interim head coach for the remainder of the season. This decision, coming after a recent stretch of inconsistent play, raises questions about the team’s trajectory and the potential for a playoff push.
A Disappointing Turn After Early Promise
Hiller, who took over mid-season in 2024 for Todd McLellan, compiled a record of 93-58-24 over three seasons. While he led the team to a 48-25-9 record last season, the Kings have struggled to replicate that success this year, currently sitting fifth in the Pacific Division with a 24-21-14 record. A recent 2-0 victory over the Calgary Flames offered a brief respite, ending a five-game losing streak, but the underlying issues remain.
General Manager Ken Holland cited a need for a change to unlock the team’s potential. “At this point in the season, we believe a change in leadership is necessary to provide our group the best opportunity to reach its potential and compete at the level we expect,” Holland stated. The decision followed a pair of discouraging losses to the Edmonton Oilers (8-1) and Vegas Golden Knights (6-4) leading up to the Olympic break.
D.J. Smith: A Familiar Face with a Second Chance
D.J. Smith, previously an associate coach with the Kings, is no stranger to leading a team. He coached the Ottawa Senators for parts of five seasons (2019-2024), achieving a record of 131-154-32 before being let go in December 2023. His return to a head coaching role presents an opportunity for redemption and a chance to implement his own system.
Adding to the staff, player development coach Matt Greene will serve as an assistant, providing additional support to Smith. The Kings are hoping this combination can spark a turnaround.
Underlying Issues: Power Play Struggles and Offensive Output
The Kings’ struggles aren’t solely attributable to coaching. Statistically, the team is underperforming in key areas. They currently rank 26th in the league on the power play (16.3 percent) and 28th on the penalty kill (75.7 percent). Perhaps most concerning is their offensive output, ranking 29th in goals per game (2.53). Despite acquiring Artemi Panarin, who had 57 points in 52 games with the Rangers before the trade, the team has yet to fully integrate him into the offense; he has one assist in two games with the Kings.
The Impact of Recent Trades and Olympic Break
The trade for Panarin was intended to provide a significant offensive boost, but the impact has been minimal so far. The Olympic break offered a chance for the team to reset and address its issues, but the struggles continued immediately afterward, with the team being outscored 14-5 in two games following the break.
What’s Next for the Kings?
The Kings face a challenging schedule ahead, including a Monday matchup against the Colorado Avalanche. Smith will be under immediate pressure to deliver results. The team’s performance in the coming weeks will determine whether this coaching change was the right move and if they can still contend for a playoff spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was Jim Hiller’s record with the Kings?
A: Jim Hiller had a record of 93-58-24 in three seasons as head coach of the Los Angeles Kings.
Q: Who is D.J. Smith?
A: D.J. Smith is the new interim head coach of the Kings, previously coaching the Ottawa Senators from 2019-2024.
Q: What are the Kings’ biggest weaknesses right now?
A: The Kings are struggling on the power play, penalty kill, and overall goal scoring.
Q: When do the Kings play next?
A: The Kings play the Colorado Avalanche on Monday.
Did you know? Jim Hiller was originally drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in 1989.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Artemi Panarin’s performance. His ability to integrate into the Kings’ offense will be crucial to their success.
What are your thoughts on the Kings’ coaching change? Share your opinions in the comments below!
