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The Kings fire their coach

Originally posted on Dose.ca | Last updated Mar 1, 2026 2:42 PM ET

Breaking news in the NHL: the second firing of the season has taken place. The Kings have dismissed their head coach Jim Hiller. DJ Smith, former coach of the Senators, will take over on an interim basis.

The Kings have made a coaching change

DJ Smith as interim boss

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) March 1, 2026

Los Angeles had put all their eggs in one basket by acquiring Artemi Panarin in early February.

But then Kevin Fiala and Andrei Kuzmenko got injured. With two consecutive losses coming back from the Olympics and three points out of the playoffs, the Kings needed a change.

Obviously, it was the coach who paid. Note that Matt Greene will be joining the bench and taking care of the defensemen.

Hiller had been the coach since the 2023-2024 season. He never missed the playoffs, but was never able to get past the first round. #Oilers

As for DJ Smith, he coached the Sens for four seasons without making the playoffs. In his fifth season, he was fired after 26 games. He has been with Los Angeles since last season.

Will this coaching change whip the Kings into shape, much like it did for the Columbus Blue Jackets? The season is far from over.

(Credit: NHL.com)

In brief

– Keep an eye on.

Darren Dreger: Dallas is rumored to be in on Evander Kane, Colorado; apparently Tampa Bay and Carolina – Barn Burner (2/27)

— NHL Rumor Report (@NHLRumorReport) March 1, 2026

– Impressive. Impressive.

— RDS (@RDSca) March 1, 2026

— The Wings want to strengthen their team.

The Detroit Red Wings have a trade offer on the table for Vancouver Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers: https://t.co/kHMwq7SlLt

— The Hockey News (@TheHockeyNews) March 1, 2026

This article first appeared on Dose.ca and was syndicated with permission.

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