What's Happening?
The Los Angeles Kings are evaluating D.J. Smith as a candidate for their permanent head coach position following his interim tenure. Smith, who joined the Kings as an assistant coach in February 2024, took over interim coaching duties and led the team
to an 11-6-6 record in the final 23 games of the regular season. Despite this improvement, the Kings were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Colorado Avalanche. Under Smith, the team saw a slight increase in offensive performance but continued to struggle with penalty kills, ranking last in the NHL. General Manager Ken Holland, who joined the Kings in May 2025, is tasked with improving the team's performance without resorting to a full rebuild.
Why It's Important?
The decision on whether to appoint Smith as the permanent head coach is crucial for the Kings' future strategy. The team has faced consistent challenges, including early playoff exits and underperformance in key areas like scoring and penalty kills. Holland's approach to maintaining the team's competitive edge without a full rebuild reflects a strategic choice to leverage existing talent while seeking improvements. This decision could impact the team's ability to attract and retain talent, influence fan engagement, and determine the Kings' competitiveness in the NHL.
What's Next?
The Kings' management will continue to assess Smith's performance and potential as a permanent head coach. Holland's commitment to avoiding a full rebuild suggests that the team will focus on strategic player acquisitions and coaching adjustments. The outcome of this decision will likely influence the team's preparations for the next season and their approach to addressing performance gaps.
