Kings hire Peter Laviolette as new head coach for 2026 season
6 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Jun 9, 2026, 2:18 AM
Last updated Jun 9, 2026
The Los Angeles Kings have appointed Peter Laviolette as their new head coach, marking his seventh stint in this role. Laviolette, who has previously coached the Islanders, Hurricanes, Flyers, Predators, Capitals, and Rangers, has 846 career wins, the seventh-most in NHL history. He takes over a Kings team that has failed to advance past the first round in the last five seasons. Other coaching changes include Manny Malhotra being promoted by the Vancouver Canucks and Pete DeBoer taking over the New York Islanders. These moves reflect teams' ongoing efforts to improve their performance after disappointing campaigns.
- •Kings replace Jim Hiller with Peter Laviolette as head coach.
- •Laviolette previously led Carolina to a Stanley Cup championship in 2006.
- •Vancouver promotes Manny Malhotra from AHL as new head coach.
- •Pete DeBoer takes over coaching duties for the Islanders.
- •Kings aim to end five-year playoff round one elimination streak.
- 2:18 AMYahoo Sports — Peter Laviolette reportedly will be the LA Kings’ next head coach
- 10:47 PMYahoo Sports — Peter Laviolette will be the LA Kings' next head coach, AP source says
- 8:00 PMESPN — Sources: Kings hiring Laviolette as head coach
- 7:38 PMYahoo Sports — Kings hiring Peter Laviolette as head coach
- 6:39 PMYahoo Sports — NHL coaching changes tracker: Kings tap veteran Peter Laviolette as new head coach
"Peter Laviolette will be the next head coach of the Los Angeles Kings, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press on Monday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the Kings hadn't yet announced the results of their lengthy search for a permanent replacement for interim coach D.J. Smith, who replaced Jim Hiller in March. The 61-year-old Laviolette is expected to get a three-year contract to take over his seventh NHL team.
"The Los Angeles Kings have hired Peter Laviolette to be their next head coach, according to multiple reports.
"The Los Angeles Kings are hiring Peter Laviolette as their new head coach, sources told ESPN on Monday.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 9, 2026, 2:18 AMPeter Laviolette reportedly will be the LA Kings’ next head coach
The 61-year-old Laviolette is expected to get a three-year contract to take over his seventh NHL team.
- Yahoo SportsJun 8, 2026, 10:47 PMPeter Laviolette will be the LA Kings' next head coach, AP source says
Peter Laviolette will be the next head coach of the Los Angeles Kings, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press on Monday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the Kings hadn't yet announced the results of their lengthy search for a permanent replacement for interim coach D.J. Smith, who replaced Jim Hiller in March. The 61-year-old Laviolette is expected to get a three-year contract to take over his seventh NHL team.
- ESPNJun 8, 2026, 8:00 PMSources: Kings hiring Laviolette as head coach
The Los Angeles Kings are hiring Peter Laviolette as their new head coach, sources told ESPN on Monday.
- Yahoo SportsJun 8, 2026, 7:38 PMKings hiring Peter Laviolette as head coach
The Los Angeles Kings have hired Peter Laviolette to be their next head coach, according to multiple reports.
- Yahoo SportsJun 8, 2026, 6:39 PMNHL coaching changes tracker: Kings tap veteran Peter Laviolette as new head coach
Here's a look at the coaching changes so far in 2026.
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