Following the Rob Blake press conference, the Kings have reportedly secured DJ Smith as the next assistant coach to replace the void left by Jim Hiller, who was promoted to interim head coach for the remaining season. If the Kings weren't getting a fresh voice with Hiller as head coach, they would certainly be getting one in Smith.
Smith spent four years as an Assistant Coach to Mike Babcock in Toronto, paired with Hiller. He then left Toronto to be a head coach for the first time in Ottawa starting the 2019-20 season. Smith missed the playoffs each year he was the head coach for Ottawa and eventually was let go this season. Ottawa had high hopes for the team following their incredible ECF run in 2017 and never whiffed that level of performance since.
His best season in Ottawa came last year, with a record of 39-35-8, suitable for a .524 winning percentage. Ottawa was never seen as a bonafide challenger for the playoffs the past few seasons but has acquired players such as Vladimir Tarasenko and Claude Giroux to insulate Brady Tkachuk and Tim Stutzle. Ottawa is a team that has been in and out of limbo and has had a rough season.
Kings management turns to a coaching connection; as mentioned, Hiller and Smith worked together in Toronto. There is familiarity and mutual respect for one another. Connections of familiarity are critical in this league, as seen with McLellan and Trent Yawney.
Coach Smith's style focuses on player-centered leadership, effective communication, and a commitment to team unity. As a player's coach, he would concentrate on the player connections to get the team headed in the right direction after the last 16 disastrous games.
Though the team needed someone to crack the whip, it looks like a more player-friendly fostering environment.
DJ Smith coming in represents another impactful insight. If the season becomes lost, Smith could be at the helm to start next season.