The Los Angeles Kings are making a bold move in the middle of the season, shaking up their coaching staff. In a surprising turn of events, the Kings have fired head coach Jim Hiller and appointed D.J. Smith as the interim head coach. This decision comes at a critical point in the NHL season, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering about the team's future.
Hiller's tenure with the Kings has come to an abrupt end after just two years. He took over as interim head coach in February 2024, inheriting a team in a slump. But Hiller's impact was immediate, turning their fortunes around with a 7-4-0 start and finishing the season with an impressive 21-12-1 record. This led to a third-place finish in the Pacific Division and a playoff berth, but the Kings' success was short-lived as they fell to the Edmonton Oilers in the first round.
And here's where it gets controversial... Despite the Kings' early playoff exit, Hiller was named the permanent head coach for the 2024-25 season. He led the team to their best finish since 1975, but history repeated itself as they were once again eliminated in the first round by the Oilers. Hiller's coaching decisions and challenges during this series sparked criticism, but he remained at the helm for the 2025-26 season.
However, the 2025-26 season has been a different story. The Kings have struggled offensively, ranking near the bottom of the league in goals scored. The absence of key wingers Kevin Fiala and Andrei Kuzmenko due to injuries hasn't helped, and even the addition of Artemi Panarin couldn't ignite their offense. The final straw came in a humiliating 8-1 loss to the Oilers, where fans called for Hiller's dismissal.
But the story doesn't end there. Despite a subsequent win against the Calgary Flames, the Kings' management has decided to make a change. Hiller leaves the team with an 8-8-5 record this season, and the Kings find themselves just outside the Western Conference Wild Card spot. The team is now turning to D.J. Smith, who has over four years of NHL head coaching experience with the Ottawa Senators. Smith's time in Ottawa was marked by a lack of postseason success, but he brings valuable experience to the Kings.
Both Hiller and Smith have a connection to renowned head coach Mike Babcock. Hiller worked under Babcock with the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs, while Smith earned his first NHL coaching role with the Maple Leafs after Babcock's staff recognized his talent. This coaching lineage adds an intriguing layer to the story.
In a related development, veteran Kings player Matt Greene, a two-time Stanley Cup champion, will transition to the coaching staff. Greene has been involved in player development since his retirement in 2017, and his experience as a leader on and off the ice will be a valuable asset to the team.
As the Kings embark on this new chapter, the question remains: Will D.J. Smith be able to turn the team's fortunes around and lead them back to the playoffs? And what does this mean for Hiller's future in the NHL? The coaching carousel continues to spin, leaving fans eager for the next twist in this dramatic season.
