What happened: The Los Angeles Kings have hired Peter Laviolette as their new head coach, following the team's first-round sweep by the Colorado Avalanche. Laviolette, who has 846 career wins and a Stanley Cup title, fills the vacancy left by Jim Hiller and interim coach D.J. Smith.
Why it matters: The hiring marks a significant shift as the franchise enters a post-Anze Kopitar era. Laviolette is expected to stabilize a roster that set an NHL record with 20 overtime losses last season and integrate trade-deadline acquisition Artemi Panarin.
By the numbers: 2025-26 Season: 35-27-20 (90 pts), 4th in Pacific Division. Special Teams: League-worst penalty kill. Coaching: 846 career wins (7th all-time). Roster: $18.3M in projected cap space for 2026 offseason.
What to watch: The Kings will focus on the June 26-27 NHL Draft, where they hold three of the top 50 picks to address their center depth.