Peter Laviolette Set to Lead the LA Kings as New Head Coach

In a significant move for the franchise, Peter Laviolette has reportedly been named the next head coach of the Los Angeles Kings. According to a source familiar with the negotiations, Laviolette’s appointment comes after a thorough search for a permanent replacement for interim coach D.J. Smith, who took over in March following Jim Hiller’s dismissal.

The 61-year-old Laviolette is expected to sign a three-year contract, marking his seventh head coaching stint in the NHL. Despite the Kings’ recent playoff appearances, they have faced the disappointment of five consecutive first-round exits under three different head coaches and two general managers. This new chapter could be pivotal in breaking that trend.

Returning to the NHL after being let go by the New York Rangers in April 2025, Laviolette brings a wealth of experience. His coaching career spans 23 years and includes tenures with the New York Islanders, Carolina Hurricanes, Philadelphia Flyers, Nashville Predators, and Washington Capitals. Notably, he led the Hurricanes to a Stanley Cup championship in 2006.

Laviolette’s teams have reached the postseason in 11 of the last 14 seasons he has coached, showcasing his ability to guide teams to success. He also led the Flyers to the Stanley Cup Final in 2010 and the Predators in 2017. With 1,594 career games coached, he ranks ninth all-time in NHL history.

As he takes on his first West Coast NHL role, Laviolette inherits a talented but frustrated Kings roster that has struggled to elevate its game to true Stanley Cup contention. General manager Ken Holland made the decision to part ways with Hiller after the Olympic break during the coach’s second season, and the Kings finished with an 11-6-6 record under Smith. Although Smith managed to guide the team to the final Western Conference playoff spot, they were swept in the first round by the Colorado Avalanche.

The Kings have not won a playoff round since their last Stanley Cup victory in 2014, although they possess a strong core of talent, even with the retirement of longtime captain Anze Kopitar. Holland acquired high-scoring forward Artemi Panarin from the Rangers last winter, and the roster will also see the return of talented forwards Adrian Kempe, Quinton Byfield, and Kevin Fiala this fall.

Laviolette has made a name for himself by fostering aggressive offensive strategies and turning around franchises quickly. This could signal a shift in philosophy for the Kings, who have traditionally prioritized a defense-first approach, often to the detriment of their scoring ability. Last season, Los Angeles finished 29th in the NHL in goals scored, with just 220 on the season, the lowest total among playoff teams. Over the past five seasons, they have consistently ranked in the bottom half of the league in scoring.

Holland has expressed concerns about the team’s overly defensive mindset, particularly after their lackluster performance against the Avalanche. While he has not committed to a full change in philosophy, the arrival of Laviolette could be the catalyst needed to rejuvenate the Kings’ offensive capabilities.

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