The Kings may be nearing the end of their search for a new head coach. According to The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta, Los Angeles has narrowed its options, with Peter Laviolette and Jay Woodcroft emerging as the leading candidates for the job.
“The LA Kings are close to naming their next head coach, and it will be a new one,” Pagnotta wrote on X. “Per sources, DJ Smith is no longer in the running. Keep eyes on Jay Woodcroft and Peter Laviolette.”
Of the two, Laviolette brings the longer NHL résumé. The veteran coach ranks among the winningest coaches in league history and has spent more than two decades behind NHL benches. His most recent stop came with the New York Rangers, though he has also coached the Hurricanes, Predators, Flyers, Capitals and Islanders during his career.
Meanwhile, Woodcroft represents a different option. The 48-year-old spent several years developing within the Oilers organization before taking over as Edmonton’s head coach in 2022. He posted a 79-41-13 record and guided the club to the playoffs in each of his first two seasons behind the bench.
Los Angeles general manager Ken Holland is also familiar with Woodcroft from their time together in Edmonton. Holland promoted him from the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors to the Oilers’ head coaching role during the 2021-22 season.
Why Peter Laviolette could make sense for the Kings
Peter Laviolette would bring plenty of experience if the Los Angeles decide to go in that direction. Earlier on Monday, NHL insider Kevin Weekes shared a photo of the veteran coach on X, adding to the growing belief that he is in the running for the Los Angeles job.
Laviolette has coached in the NHL for more than 20 seasons and has reached the Stanley Cup Final with three different teams. He won the Stanley Cup with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2006 and later guided the Philadelphia Flyers and Nashville Predators to the Final.
The veteran coach spent the last two seasons with the New York Rangers before taking this past season away from coaching. His name is an interesting one for Los Angeles given the team’s recent playoff struggles. The Kings have qualified for the postseason in each of the last five years but have not made it past the opening round.
That is one area where Laviolette’s experience could stand out as the Kings move closer to making a decision on their next head coach.
Edited by Sonali Verma
