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3 head coaching candidates worth pursuing for the LA Kings

The LA Kings made shockwaves earlier today when they relieved head coach Todd McLellan of his duties.

By Todd Matthews

Apr 19, 2018; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy gestures as he speaks
Apr 19, 2018; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy gestures as he speaks / Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
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Todd Reirden has enjoyed head coaching success in the past

While Brad Shaw has sound experience as an assistant, Todd Reirden holds the edge in head coaching, having spent two seasons with the Washington Capitals. No, Reirden’s teams never made it past the first round in either of Washington’s playoff appearances, but they still took first in the Metropolitan during his reign, and that’s saying something. 

Some may credit Reirden for inheriting a good situation in Washington, as the team was coming off of a victory in the Stanley Cup Final the year they promoted him to head coach. However, Washington didn’t lose a step in the regular season, and they still performed admirably in the first round of the playoffs under Reirden in 2019.

Following his time in Washington, Reirden has also helped keep the Pittsburgh Penguins in the running as playoff contenders, even as their core of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang ages. 

Reirden has seen more than a fair share of turbulence in Pittsburgh, and he would be a great fit to potentially turn around Los Angeles should the team’s turmoil continue for the rest of the season. Reirden has a proven track record, whether as a head coach or as an assistant, and that should attract a team with a good group of players, which the Kings have.