Three Coaches the Kings Could Consider for Head Coach Position

Los Angeles Kings GM Ken Holland has confirmed that he is on the hunt for a new head coach, eyeing a mix of candidates with varying degrees of experience. D.J. Smith, who finished the season as the Kings’ interim coach, remains a strong contender for the permanent position.

During Holland’s exit interview on Friday, he mentioned having a shortlist of “five to eight” coaches, indicating a thorough approach to the selection process. While veteran coaches and NHL assistants have been discussed, attention now shifts to three candidates who have either been minimally tested in the NHL or have yet to hold a head coaching position at that level—all currently leading teams in the AHL.

First on the list is Andrew Lord, the head coach of the Ontario Reign, who is enjoying a remarkable first season with the team. Under his guidance, the Reign have advanced to the second round of the Calder Cup playoffs after finishing first in the Pacific Division and fourth overall in the AHL with an impressive 99 points. This marks the best season in franchise history since the team transitioned from the Manchester Monarchs to the Ontario Reign, and Lord’s leadership has been pivotal in this success.

Next is Manny Malhotra, the head coach of the Abbotsford Canucks, the AHL affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks. Malhotra has made a significant impact during his tenure, particularly in the 2024-25 season, when he led Abbotsford to a Calder Cup championship—the franchise’s first since 1991. However, this season has presented challenges, as Abbotsford struggled and finished fourth from the bottom in the league, largely due to the NHL club recalling key players from the championship roster. His previous experience as an assistant coach with the Canucks and Toronto Maple Leafs from 2017-2024 has kept him in the conversation as a potential NHL head coach.

Lastly, Pascal Vincent brings NHL head coaching experience to the table. After stepping in to lead the Columbus Blue Jackets during a tumultuous season, he finished with a 27-43-12 record. Following that, he returned to the AHL, coaching the Laval Rocket, where he has achieved notable success. This season, he guided the Rocket to win the North Division and reach the second round of the playoffs. His performance last season was even more impressive, as he led Laval to the best record in the AHL and a run to the Eastern Conference finals. With his extensive coaching background, Vincent could be poised for another opportunity at the NHL level.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.