Todd McLellan, a significant figure in the Los Angeles Kings' recent history, served as the team's coach from 2019-20 to 2023-24. Over his five-season tenure, he achieved a record of 164-130-44.
McLellan's last year began with a strong performance, going 20-7-4 in his first 31 games, but ended on a less successful note, with a 3-8-6 record, prompting Rob Blake to make the decision to part ways with him.
Following McLellan's departure, Assistant Coach Jim Hiller took on the role of interim head coach, leading the team to a 21-12-2 record for the season. In a unique twist, the Kings also welcomed former Senators coach DJ Smith to their coaching staff. Both Hiller and Smith had previously worked under Mike Babcock in Toronto, setting the stage for an intriguing coaching dynamic.
While Hiller finished his first time through the playoffs as a head coach, interim, he had a 1-4 record. Speculation was that he would be in the running for the full-time role going into the offseason, but he was the frontrunner due to his knowledge of the team.
Speculation was confirmed into reality when the Kings announced a multi-year deal for Hiller to shed interim and become the full-time NHL coach. Rob Blake confirmed the deal at a press conference and added the element of getting 'uncomfortable.'
The Kings still had an open slot for another assistant coach recently filled by former Ducks assistant coach Newell Brown. At this point, the King's immediate coaching staff is configured and set for the upcoming season.
With these recent coaching changes, what can we expect from the new trio of coaches? Will their unique backgrounds and experiences bring a fresh perspective to the team? Only time will tell, but it's certainly a situation worth keeping an eye on.
It isn't a secret that the franchise is at a near-boiling point. Missed expectations and marks undone by three postseason exits could have pointed at a Blake departure. Blake, however, is staying put, at least for now.
As of right now, the Kings will enter the season with a roster mostly unchanged. There are reports that they will chase Tyler Toffoli in free agency and Arthur Kaliyev out of LA. Regardless, it seems to be dubious and unhinged behavior that the Kings will try to improve on last year's season with a very similar roster with some tweaks along the way.
It makes me wonder if Hiller becomes a fall guy for any poor start. Blake's former head coach will be standing right next to Hiller to start the year in Smith.
This is not to say that Hiller is on the chopping block, but rather, could be a victim of a flawed roster made by Blake. Blake has not made any favors for Hiller with this roster, and a point to be made as to why other suitors were not courted. If you are a Dean Evanson or a Craig Berube, do you want to manage the Kings moving forward?
There are bright spots within the organization. Quinton Byfield is becoming the player he was drafted to be. Brandt Clarke, one of the game's top prospects, is knocking at the door to be an NHL regular. Adrian Kempe has become a star in LA after an impressive regular season.
But as a potential coach, do you want to come into an organization that is barely treading water? Players such as Pierre Luc Dubois, who has not performed well in his three stints with three separate teams?
Hiller was already here; he was already the guy going to take the mantle. Outside coaches would not put their reputation on the line for a faltering organization that has regressed in three postseason attempts, has two cornerstone players the franchise is holding onto with a death grip, and a vacant cupboard of prospects to work with.
Unfortunately for Hiller, his position represents Blake's last-ditch move if the season starts to sour. Hiller can right the ship and get the Kings into a better position, giving some autonomy and time. Given the history and current state of affairs, it won't be a ton of leeway.