Hockey

Pete Laviolette Named Head Coach of Los Angeles Kings

by
James Thornton
June 9, 2026

In a significant move for the franchise, the Los Angeles Kings have announced the hiring of Pete Laviolette as their new head coach, marking the 32nd individual to hold the position in the team’s history. Vice President and General Manager Ken Holland made the announcement, welcoming Laviolette to LA with enthusiasm.

Laviolette, who previously coached the New York Islanders from 2001 to 2003, comes to Los Angeles after a two-year tenure with the New York Rangers, where he was relieved of his duties following the 2024-25 season. This new chapter in Laviolette’s career brings him back together with Artemi Panarin, a player he coached during his time in New York.

This appointment is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first time in Laviolette’s extensive 23-year coaching career that he will be leading a team in the Pacific Division. As he steps into this role, fans will be eager to see how his leadership style and experience will shape the Kings’ performance in the upcoming season.

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

James Thornton

James Thornton brings over a decade of sports journalism experience to 21Sports.com. Known for his razor-sharp analysis and passion for the game, James has covered everything from Super Bowls to the Olympics. His deep knowledge of football and ability to break down complex strategies make his articles a must-read for any sports fan. Off the field, James is an avid golfer who enjoys exploring new courses on the weekends.