Los Angeles Kings name Jim Hiller coach, remove interim tag
The Los Angeles Kings opted for continuity as they named a coach on Wednesday.
The Kings announced that they were removing the interim tag from coach Jim Hiller and giving him the full-time job. He'll be the 30th coach in franchise history.
Hiller, 55, had replaced Todd McLellan, who was fired in February after a 3-8-6 slump. Hiller's squad went 21-12-1 down the stretch as the Kings grabbed third place in the Pacific Division on the final day of the season.
But the Kings didn't have success in the playoffs. They fell to Edmonton in five games, the third consecutive season they have been bounced by the Oilers in the first round.
The NHL's No. 2 penalty killing team in the regular season gave up nine Edmonton power-play goals and Los Angeles didn't score on its 12 power-play opportunities. The Kings haven't reached the second round since they won their second Stanley Cup title in 2014.
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The Kings and assistant coach Trent Yawney agreed to part ways after the season, so Hiller will need to fill that position.
The Kings re-signed backup goalie David Rittich for another season, but No. 1 goalie Cam Talbot is an unrestricted free agent.
NHL coaching carousel
After the Hiller announcement, four NHL teams (Winnipeg Jets, New Jersey Devils, San Jose Sharks and Seattle Kraken) have coach openings.
The Toronto Maple Leafs (Craig Berube), Buffalo Sabres (Lindy Ruff), Ottawa Senators (Travis Green) and St. Louis Blues (Drew Bannister had his interim tag removed) have made coaching announcements.
Carolina Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour agreed to a multi-year extension.