The Los Angeles Kings are in the midst of a big-time coaching search early this offseason, but interim head coach D.J. Smith may still have a stronger chance at the full-time job than many initially expected.
In a recent episode of the 32 Thoughts podcast, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman said he has been told “not to discount” Smith’s chances in the Kings’ coaching search this offseason. Friedman’s comments also came shortly after Ken Holland confirmed during postseason exit interviews that Smith would remain part of the organization’s coaching search.
This past March, the Kings named Smith as the interim head coach after now-former head coach Jim Hiller was fired by the team this past regular season. Smith helped stabilize the Kings late in the season and guided the team back into the postseason.
The Kings showed noticeable improvement offensively and in net after Smith took over behind the bench. LA ranked in the top half of the league since March 1 in team save percentage (over .900) and goals per game (3.1).
That said, the Kings still did not consistently resemble one of the NHL’s true elite teams on either side of the puck following Smith’s promotion. Los Angeles also failed to advance past the first round against Colorado, which may continue fueling questions about Smith’s long-term ceiling as a head coach.
The uncertainty surrounding bigger-name coaching candidates such as Bruce Cassidy could also naturally increase Smith’s chances of remaining in the conversation moving forward.
Even with the improvement late in the season, Los Angeles still failed to look like a true Stanley Cup contender against the league’s elite teams, which could complicate the organization’s final coaching decision. The Kings’ quick first-round playoff exit against Colorado may also leave lingering questions about whether Smith is the long-term answer behind the bench.
With veterans such as Artemi Panarin now part of the roster core, the Kings may feel increasing pressure to make a coaching hire capable of maximizing the team’s current championship window.
Smith may not be the flashy choice many fans are hoping for, but Friedman’s comments suggest Los Angeles could still seriously value the stability and familiarity Smith brought behind the bench late last season.
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