It looks like the Los Angeles Kings are very close to choosing their next head coach. The team has reduced its search to a small group of candidates. They are looking to move forward after another disappointing playoff exit.

According to several reports, former interim coach D.J. Smith is no longer being considered for the full-time role. This is an important development because Smith remained a candidate after coaching the team. He became familiar with the roster and organization.

The Los Angeles Kings have looked at several experienced coaches in recent weeks. But they are now focusing on two main candidates. Former Jay Woodcroft and veteran coach Peter Laviolette have become the top choices for the job. 

Both have extensive NHL experience and strong playoff records. The Kings need to look to get past the first round and become a serious Stanley Cup contender.

NHL insider David Pagnotta reported on social media that Los Angeles is getting close to hiring its next head coach. He also confirmed that DJ Smith is no longer being considered for the position.

“The LA Kings are close to naming their next head coach, and it will be a new one. Per sources, DJ Smith is no longer in the running. Keep eyes on Jay Woodcroft and Peter Laviolette.”

Pagnotta later shared more details and said that DJ Smith was told that morning that he would not get the full-time coaching job. He also reported that Jay Woodcroft and Peter Laviolette were the top candidates, with Laviolette expected to become the Kings’ next head coach.

Peter Laviolette Emerges as Leading Candidate for the Los Angeles Kings Head Coach Role

As the coaching search moved into its final stage, support seemed to be growing for Peter Laviolette. The 61-year-old coach most recently spent two seasons with the New York Rangers from 2023 to 2025 and has one of the strongest coaching resumes available.

Laviolette has coached several NHL teams during his career and led the Carolina Hurricanes to a Stanley Cup title in 2006. His teams have regularly made the playoffs, which makes him an appealing choice for a Kings roster that wants to compete right away.

The talk around Peter Laviolette grew even stronger when NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported that the Los Angeles Kings had hired him as their new head coach.

Although the team had not officially announced the move at that time, Friedman’s report strongly suggested that Los Angeles had made its final decision.

If the hiring is confirmed, Laviolette will take over a talented Kings team that wants to turn regular-season success into a deeper playoff run.

What do you think? Can Peter Laviolette’s experience help the Los Angeles Kings become a strong Stanley Cup contender? Comment on all your opinions below. 

Read more at the NHL Fan Central.

Written by

Kapil Manghnani

Edited by

Kaamna Dwivedi