The Los Angeles Kings are turning to one of the most experienced coaches in NHL history.
According to NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, the Kings have hired Peter Laviolette as their next head coach, ending a search that reportedly could have also led him to openings with the Edmonton Oilers or Toronto Maple Leafs.
Instead, the 61-year-old will head to Los Angeles, bringing with him nearly three decades of coaching experience and one of the most accomplished resumes in the sport.
Over the years, Laviolette has served as head coach of the New York Islanders, Carolina Hurricanes, Philadelphia Flyers, Nashville Predators, Washington Capitals, New York Rangers and now the Kings.
Now he inherits a Kings roster that has reached the postseason four consecutive years but has struggled to break through in the Western Conference. Los Angeles is betting that Laviolette’s championship pedigree and playoff experience can help push the franchise beyond its recent ceiling and back into Stanley Cup contention.
This story is still developing and will be updated.
