The Los Angeles Kings haven’t been capable of live as much as the expectations they’d coming into the season, which has led to them moving on from head coach Jim Hiller, in accordance with NHL insider Elliotte Friedman.
“The Kings have made a training change. DJ Smith as interim boss,” Friedman wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
General manager Ken Holland wrote a press release concerning the firing.
“I need to thank Jim Hiller for his dedication, professionalism, and the commitment he showed to our players and our team daily. He’s a respected coach and person, and we appreciate the work he’s done behind our bench,” Holland said within the statement. “At this point within the season, we consider a change in leadership is obligatory to offer our group the perfect opportunity to achieve its potential and compete at the extent we expect. These decisions are never made evenly, but our responsibility is to position this team for fulfillment now and moving forward.”
The Kings won a franchise-best 48 wins and 105 points in Hiller’s first full season because the coach, but haven’t been capable of get back to that success since. Getting back from the Olympic break, the Kings lost their first two games, and after their 8-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers, fans were heard saying, “Fire Hiller.”
Up to now this season, the Kings have had a tough time attempting to rating, which is why they went out to get Artemi Panarin. The hope is that he can bring a lift to the team, but with injuries to other players, it’s hard to inform in the event that they’ll truly have the opportunity to get on course. As of now, they’re on the verge of missing the playoffs for the primary time in five seasons.