(Photo : Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)) MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 22: LA Kings Head Coach, Todd McLellan speaks to gamers throughout an NHL Global Series Practice Session at Rod Laver Arena on September 22, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia.
The Los Angeles Kings have fired their coach, Todd McLellan, naming Jim Hiller as an interim head coach for the remainder of the season, in keeping with Vice President and General Manager Rob Blake.
“We want to thank Todd for his hard work and dedication to the organization,” stated Kings common supervisor Rob Blake.
“He has done a tremendous job in moving us forward and positively impacting our group and our community. This was not an easy decision, but we felt the change was necessary at this time. Jim is a well-respected member of our staff who is familiar with our players. We are confident in his ability to lead our team effectively during this pivotal time.”
The Kings, who’re nonetheless within the playoff hunt at 23-15, had a tough January. Finishing 3-7-5 and falling to the primary wild card spot within the Western Conference, resulting in McLellan’s dismissal.
McLellan spent 5 seasons with the Kings, being employed in 2019 and having led the group to the playoffs prior to now two seasons, sadly shedding to the Edmonton Oilers twice. Throughout his time with the Kings, he had a file of 47-25-10.
McLellan received his first head teaching job in 2008 with the San Jose Sharks, spending seven seasons with the group; which included six playoff appearances. The former Kings coach additionally hung out with the Oilers as a head coach, spending 4 seasons with the group from 2015 to 2019.
Under Hiller, the Kings would look to proper the ship and keep in competition for a postseason berth. Hiller joined the Kings on July 19, 2022, and has spent two seasons as an assistant coach. This is after stops with the New York Islanders (2019-22), Toronto Maple Leafs (2015-19), and Detroit Red Wings (2014-15).
Hiller has been part of enhancing the Kings’ ahead energy performs, who rose from twenty seventh within the NHL at 16.1 % within the 2021-22 season to fourth-best within the NHL final season at 25.3 %.
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