Overview
- The Los Angeles Kings officially named Peter Laviolette their head coach on Tuesday and set an introductory press conference for Wednesday at the Toyota Sports Performance Center.
- Laviolette agreed to a reported three-year contract and brings 23 NHL seasons, roughly 1,594 games coached and a 2006 Stanley Cup on his résumé.
- The hire ends Toronto and Edmonton’s pursuit of Laviolette and forces both clubs to continue their searches for a new bench boss.
- Analysts say Laviolette is likely to push a faster, forecheck-heavy style and that the Kings may overhaul assistant coaches and power-play staff to match that approach.
- Los Angeles is betting Laviolette can break its run of five straight first-round playoff exits by boosting scoring from players such as Artemi Panarin, Quinton Byfield and Brandt Clarke.