All signs point to the Los Angeles Kings' coaching search entering its final stages.
Mayors Manor reported on June 3 that the Kings coaching search has narrowed down to just two or three coaching candidates early this month. The Kings are reportedly expected to have the coaching search wrapped up in the next couple of weeks, leading up to the 2026 NHL Entry Draft.
The two coaching candidates who stick out in this report are now-former Los Angeles interim head coach DJ Smith and Anaheim Ducks assistant coach Jay Woodcroft.
Los Angeles Kings may soon have to choose between continuity and a fresh voice behind the bench
If that report proves accurate, it reveals something important about how Ken Holland is approaching this search.
Neither name should come as a major surprise. Woodcroft has been linked to the Kings throughout the search process and reportedly interviewed with the organization recently, while Smith remained a serious candidate after serving as the team's interim head coach following Jim Hiller's departure.
Other coaching candidates that the Kings have been mentioned in connection with early this offseason include former New York Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette, former Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube, and former Vegas Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy.
Rather than pursuing a complete organizational reset, the finalists suggest Holland is prioritizing NHL experience, familiarity, and coaches with established relationships inside the organization. Smith already knows the roster and earned support from several players following the season, while Woodcroft has previous ties to Holland dating back to their time together in Edmonton.
Of the reported finalists, Woodcroft may represent the most interesting blend of familiarity and upside. His teams in Edmonton consistently produced offensively, and his experience working with younger players could be valuable as the Kings continue building around Quinton Byfield, Brandt Clarke, and other emerging pieces of the roster.
One interesting wrinkle is that the Kings have previously shown interest in Woodcroft. Combined with his history working alongside Holland in Edmonton, it would not be surprising if he emerged as the favorite should the search truly be down to only a handful of candidates.
It wouldn't be surprising to see the Kings move closer to hiring their next full-time head coach in the next two or three weeks, leading into the 2026 draft, which begins with the first round on June 26.
Regardless of who ultimately gets the job, the hire will help define the next chapter of Kings hockey. With Kopitar retired and expectations still high, Holland's decision behind the bench may prove to be the most important move the organization makes this offseason.
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