D.J. Smith Among Candidates for Kings’ Head Coach Position as GM Ken Holland Seeks Change

As the Los Angeles Kings embark on a crucial coaching search, interim head coach D.J. Smith has emerged as a notable candidate for the full-time position. Smith stepped in on March 1 after general manager Ken Holland dismissed Jim Hiller, with the Kings struggling at 24-21-14 and outside the playoff picture. Under Smith’s leadership, Los Angeles managed an 11-6-6 record, securing a wild-card spot in the Western Conference. However, their postseason journey was cut short as they were swept by the formidable Colorado Avalanche, marking yet another early playoff exit.

Holland praised Smith’s impact on the team, stating, “D.J. did a great job. The team responded to him, so he’s a candidate.” Holland aims to keep his search focused, preferring to interview a select few candidates rather than a large pool. He is looking for someone who can elevate the Kings from their current state of mediocrity without embarking on a full-scale rebuild, hinting at possible shifts in their long-established defensive strategy.

The Kings have struggled to progress beyond the first round for seven consecutive postseasons, a trend that has persisted since their last Stanley Cup victory in 2014. With a disappointing finish this season, recording 15 fewer points than the previous year, Holland expressed his dissatisfaction, stating, “As I sit here today, I’m not happy. Luc Robitaille isn’t happy. Our players aren’t happy. It was a disappointing season.” The team finished under .500 at home and ranked 29th in goals scored, ultimately scraping into the playoffs only to be eliminated swiftly.

Identifying the root of the Kings’ struggles, Holland noted their long-standing offensive deficiencies, with the team scoring just 225 goals—fourth-worst in the NHL. He attempted to address these issues during his first year by trading for Artemi Panarin, but the absence of high-scoring forward Kevin Fiala due to injury limited their offensive potential. Holland mentioned that Fiala could have returned if the Kings had advanced past the first round.

The Kings have historically prioritized defense, often employing a trapping style that stifles offensive creativity. This approach has proven challenging against more skilled opponents who share a commitment to defense, as evidenced by their quick exit against the Avalanche, who allowed only five goals in their four-game sweep.

Holland is contemplating whether the Kings need to broaden their tactical approach. “Are we too defensive-minded? I’ve got to sort that out,” he said, acknowledging the necessity of a well-rounded offensive strategy. With the Kings ranking poorly in special teams—28th on the power play and 30th in penalty killing—there’s a pressing need for improvement in these areas. Holland’s upcoming coaching hire will need to tackle these challenges head-on, particularly with the impending retirement of two-time Selke Trophy winner Anze Kopitar, a cornerstone of the franchise.

Looking ahead, the Kings are set to rely more heavily on Quinton Byfield, their former No. 2 overall draft pick, who has developed into a reliable two-way player. Holland emphasized the significance of Byfield stepping up in the wake of Kopitar’s departure, stating, “Obviously it’s going to be Q.B.’s team up front.” With a mix of veteran talent alongside Byfield, Fiala, and Panarin, including leading scorer Adrian Kempe and promising young players like Alex Laferriere and Brandt Clarke, Holland is keen to enhance the roster after finalizing the coaching position.

“We have lots of good players,” Holland concluded. “I’ve got to build a better team.”

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