Kings announce another new hire behind the bench following Hiller firing
Photo credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Kings interim head coach D.J. Smith will have a familiar face joining him and 38-year-old captain Anze Kopitar on the bench tonight.
This morning, the Kings announced that they are moving on from head coach Jim Hiller and instead former Senators head coach D.J. Smith will be taking over as interim head coach.
We have relieved Jim Hiller of his duties and named D.J. Smith interim head coach for the remainder of the season, Kings Vice President and General Manager Ken Holland announced.
After the announcement, General Manager Rob Blake officially hired Matt Greene as an assistant coach just 2 hours after completely severing ties with Jim Hiller.
Kings also announce Matt Greene going on the bench as an assistant coach
The front office is making 2 massive, sweeping changes to the coaching staff to save a rapidly sinking 2026 season.
Los Angeles currently sits 4 points outside the Western Conference playoff picture with exactly 23 losses already in the bank. Unacceptable.
Management refuses to waste the final 22 games of Kopitar's career without a legitimate, physical fight.
They desperately want their legendary number 11 back in the postseason for a 3rd run at a Stanley Cup.
Kings announce another hiring
Over his NHL career, Greene won 2 massive championships with this exact organization as a punishing, physical defender.
Because the transition game and reliable controlled entries are completely missing right now, 1 new, loud voice is absolutely mandatory.
Smith and Greene must completely reinvent the locker room culture before the trade deadline officially expires in 5 days.
With only 61 points currently in the standings, the deadline clock is ticking incredibly loud in California.
Also read on Blade of steel :
First major coaching change takes place as Kings fire Hiller
First major coaching change takes place as Kings fire Hiller
| POLL | ||
MARS 1|101 ANSWERS Kings announce another new hire behind the bench following Hiller firing Was a coaching change the right move for the Kings? | ||
| Yes | 76 | 75.2 % |
| No | 25 | 24.8 % |
| List of polls | ||