Overview
- Peter Laviolette was hired this off‑season to replace interim coach D.J. Smith and is assembling a new staff to change the team’s style from a slower, defense-first approach to an up‑tempo, scoring-focused system.
- Media reports say veteran winger Ray Whitney is expected to join Laviolette as an assistant coach, with outlets describing the move as a jump into coaching for Whitney; that hiring is reported but not yet confirmed by the Kings.
- Additional reporting lists Hall of Famer Phil Housley joining the staff and notes Newell Brown will not return to his prior role, changes that add experienced voices for both offense and defense on the bench.
- General manager Stan Bowman is pursuing roster changes to improve late‑game and playoff scoring, a response to the Kings’ recent pattern of first‑round exits and the team’s first season without retired captain Anze Kopitar.
- The broader plan draws on Laviolette’s 2006 Cup blueprint of speed and goalscoring and could reshape player roles, ice time and tactical priorities as the Kings try to convert regular‑season depth into postseason success.