Overview
- The Kings named Peter Laviolette on Tuesday to be their next head coach in a reported three‑year deal and scheduled an introductory press conference for June 10 at the Toyota Sports Performance Center.
- Laviolette brings 23 NHL seasons, 846 regular‑season wins and a 2006 Stanley Cup with Carolina, making him one of the league’s most experienced bench bosses.
- He replaces interim coach D.J. Smith after the club fired Jim Hiller in March and suffered a fifth straight first‑round playoff exit this spring.
- Los Angeles expects Laviolette to boost offense and pace given his track record of quick turnarounds, but analysts have flagged concerns about his history of shorter tenures and a tendency to favor veteran players over long‑term youth development.
- The hire removes Laviolette from consideration by the Toronto Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers, and it immediately raises questions about assistant‑coach changes, power‑play staff, and possible roster moves such as capitalizing on his reunion with Artemi Panarin.