It looks like Jim Hiller will have the interim tag removed, but could the Kings lose DJ Smith as an assistant?
The Los Angeles Kings are still searching for a new head coach. Last season, they relieved Todd McLellan of his duties and promoted Jim Hiller by giving him the interim head coach tag.
It looks like that interim tag could be removed soon. It appears that the Kings will name Hiller as the next head coach of the organization. This will give him time to reevaluate the team's systems and change the 1-3-1 system that the players talked about in their post-season press conferences.
However, nothing is done until it is done. This means the Kings could still be looking for coaching candidates while Hiller remains the frontrunner. A few names that could be good replacements for the team are Jay Woodcroft, Sheldon Keefe, and, if he isn't named, the Winnipeg Jets' head coach, Scott Arniel.
In the meantime, GM Rob Blake may also be looking for an additional assistant coach. Last week, the team announced that Trent Yawney and the organization mutually parted ways, which left the team down one coach.
Well, there are reports out that D.J. Smith, the Kings' other assistant, may also be looking elsewhere for a new gig. With the Toronto Maple Leafs hiring Craig Berube, there is talk about Smith joining his coaching staff and returning to the Maple Leafs, where he was an assistant under Mike Babcock before leaving to coach the Ottawa Senators.
If Hiller is named the head coach, Smith likely will stay put and help his long-time colleague bring a Stanley Cup back to LA.
However, if he isn't named the head coach, it seems as though Blake will have his work set out for him this offseason.