D.J. Smith is a Strong Contender for the Kings’ Coaching Position, According to Ken Holland
D.J. Smith Under Consideration for Permanent Coaching Role with Kings
Interim head coach D.J. Smith will be among the candidates for the permanent coaching position with the Los Angeles Kings as general manager Ken Holland prepares to conduct a coaching search this month. Smith stepped in on March 1 after Holland dismissed Jim Hiller, with the team sitting at 24-21-14 and out of playoff contention.
Under Smith’s leadership, the Kings finished the season with an 11-6-6 record, securing the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference. However, their postseason run was cut short as they faced a sweep by the Colorado Avalanche, marking a disappointing continuation of first-round exits.
“D.J. did a great job,” Holland stated. “The team responded to him, so he’s a candidate. … I don’t want to talk to 20 people. I’d like to talk to probably five to eight people, and then make a decision. Some with experience, some maybe assistants, and some who haven’t been a head coach.”
Holland plans to initiate his coaching search next week, expressing the urgency to address the team’s repeated early playoff exits. He emphasized his reluctance for a full-scale rebuild but indicated that adjustments might be necessary to the Kings’ longstanding defense-first strategy.
The Kings have not advanced past the first round in seven consecutive postseason appearances, a trend that predates Holland’s appointment last year. Their performance this season was particularly lackluster, finishing with 15 fewer points than the previous year.
“As I sit here today, I’m not happy,” Holland remarked. “Luc Robitaille isn’t happy. Our players aren’t happy. It was a disappointing season. Under .500 at home, 29th in the league in goals scored, squeaked into the playoffs, got swept up by a Presidents’ Trophy-winning team. So I’m not happy. We’ve got to make the team better.”
Identifying offensive deficiencies as a primary issue, Holland noted that the Kings scored only 225 goals this season, ranking as one of the lowest in the league. Attempts to address these shortcomings included a trade for forward Artemi Panarin prior to the Olympic break, but the injury to key scorer Kevin Fiala hindered their offensive efforts.
Historically, the Kings have prioritized a defensive approach, yet Holland questioned whether it might be time for a broader strategy. “Are we too defensive-minded? I’ve got to sort that out,” he noted. “You can’t win four games 6-5 in the playoffs. But we’re 29th in the league in goals scored. We’ve got to find ways. Power play has got to be better. We’ve got to generate a little more attack from the back end.”
Compounding the issues, the Kings struggled with special teams, ranking 28th on the power play and 30th in penalty-killing. Despite being statistically strong at five-on-five defense, these weaknesses were detrimental to their overall performance.
As the Kings look ahead, they must also transition without two-time Selke Trophy winner Anze Kopitar, who recently retired after a 20-year career with the team. Finding a new captain and a center to fill Kopitar’s role will be crucial moving forward.
Holland expressed optimism about the team’s future, particularly with young talents like Quinton Byfield, who has the potential to shine in a more open system. “Obviously it’s going to be QB’s team up front,” he said. “Kopi leaves a massive hole. In my opinion, he’s a first-ballot Hall of Famer.”
As Holland embarks on the search for a new coach, he remains committed to enhancing the team’s competitiveness, stating, “We have lots of good players. I’ve got to build a better team.”
