The Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday announced that Ken Holland will be the team's next general manager and will replace Rob Blake. By bringing in Holland as their next general manager, the LA Kings are sending a clear message to the rest of the league that they are going to make a push for a Stanley Cup sooner rather than later.
Instead of going with a younger candidate who might bring in new ideas, the Kings elected to go with a veteran general manager. He has over 25 years of experience in this type of role, between his time with the Detroit Red Wings and, more recently, with the Edmonton Oilers.
Luc Robitaille didn't shy away from the addition and what the expectations are by saying "He has the experience to lead us on the proper path that will help us win now and compete for the Stanley Cup."
Holland certainly has proven he can do that as he has been part of four Stanley Cup teams, with his first as assistant general manager and the other three as general manager of the Red Wings. He didn't win any as general manager of the Oilers but they were very successful during his tenure as they made the playoffs every year, reached the Conference Finals twice and the Stanley Cup finals once.
LA Kings don't need a full rebuild by Ken Holland
Whether or not the Kings can be considered a Stanley Cup contender is debatable but they are close to that discussion. They have made the playoffs now four straight seasons, and even with four consecutive first-round exits, this shows how competitive they have been.
They need the experience of Holland to make just a few pivotal moves that can get this franchise past that first round and give veterans like Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty potentially one more chance to win a Stanley Cup.