In this past couple of weeks, the Los Angeles Kings have interviewed multiple head coaching candidates on the carousel to be the next full-time head coaching hire this offseason.
Included among the candidates whom the Kings have already interviewed to potentially be the next full-time head coaching hire are former New York Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette and Anaheim Ducks assistant coach Jay Woodcroft.
After five consecutive first-round playoff exits, the Kings are under increasing pressure to produce postseason results. That reality may make it difficult for Los Angeles to hand the job to a coach who has never worked behind an NHL bench.
David Carle's long-term upside is undeniable, but the Los Angeles Kings may require a proven NHL coach this offseason
Another name connected to the Kings' coaching search is current Denver Pioneers head coach David Carle.
Elliotte Friedman mentioned on the 32 Thoughts podcast this week that Carle could be someone that the Kings "look at" on the coaching carousel as a potential candidate this offseason. It sounds like the Kings have at least kicked the tires on the possibility of Carle becoming a head coaching candidate this offseason.
While Carle has quickly become one of hockey’s most respected young coaches outside the NHL at the collegiate level, Los Angeles may ultimately be under too much pressure to gamble on a first-time NHL head coach.
Friedman's report also suggested that the Toronto Maple Leafs are the team most aggressively pursuing Carle early this offseason.
During his time at Denver, Carle has developed a reputation as one of the top young coaches in hockey, helping produce NHL-caliber talent while consistently keeping the program among the nation's elite.
I do think there's a possibility that Carle could eventually develop into a great NHL head coach. But given the Kings' situation right now, he might not have the proven experience in the league required to be behind the bench in Los Angeles this offseason.
At just 35 years old, Carle could offer an organization a long-term coaching solution. His track record of player development and culture building at the collegiate level suggests he has the potential to become an NHL head coach for many years.
Replacing Anze Kopitar while simultaneously attempting to remain a contender may not be the ideal environment for a first-time NHL head coach.
The Kings are entering one of the most important transitions in franchise history. Navigating the post-Kopitar era while attempting to remain competitive in the Western Conference may require a coach with previous NHL experience managing similar expectations.
The other coaching candidates linked to Los Angeles all bring NHL experience, whether as head coaches or assistant coaches. That contrast makes Carle a unique candidate, but it also highlights the level of risk associated with hiring a coach making the jump directly from the college ranks.
Compared to candidates like Laviolette, Woodcroft, and potentially Bruce Cassidy, Carle would represent the biggest gamble. While his long-term upside may be higher than some veteran candidates, his lack of NHL experience creates additional uncertainty for a team facing immediate expectations.
Unlike rebuilding teams that can afford patience and long-term experimentation, the Kings still appear focused on competing in the Western Conference immediately. That urgency may ultimately push Los Angeles toward a more proven NHL coaching candidate.
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