Overview
- Multiple outlets reported Monday that the Los Angeles Kings agreed to hire Peter Laviolette to a reported three-year contract as their next head coach.
- Laviolette replaces interim coach D.J. Smith and fills the vacancy created after Jim Hiller was fired during the 2025–26 season.
- The hire removes Laviolette from consideration by the Toronto Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers and changes the landscape of several active NHL coaching searches.
- A 23-season NHL coach with 846 regular-season wins and a 2006 Stanley Cup, Laviolette is known for quickly boosting team offense but also for relatively short tenures after initial success.
- The move creates an immediate reunion with Artemi Panarin on the Kings roster and sets up questions to watch this summer about roster changes from GM Ken Holland and how Laviolette’s attack-first style affects scoring and goaltending.