New Los Angeles Kings general manager Ken Holland has announced that Jim Hiller will continue as the team`s head coach for the upcoming season.
Speaking at his introductory news conference on Thursday at the Kings` training facility, the Hall of Fame executive praised Hiller`s performance and discussed their future partnership. Holland is returning to the NHL after a one-year break, taking over the GM role from Rob Blake.
The 69-year-old, who previously served as GM for the Detroit Red Wings and the Edmonton Oilers, quickly made it clear he does not intend to drastically alter a team that has reached the playoffs four consecutive times, although they were eliminated by the Oilers in the first round each time. Holland will not make immediate changes behind the bench or in the front office, planning to retain the assistant GMs and executives who worked under Blake.
“Jim is going to be the coach,” Holland stated. “Jim Hiller did a fabulous job leading the team to 105 points. They were strong defensively and on special teams. The team played hard. I believed three weeks ago that this team had the potential and ability to go on a deep playoff run. He will be a better coach next year because of the experience he gained this year.”
Holland mentioned he had a two-hour discussion with Hiller on Wednesday. Hiller, who took over after Todd McLellan was fired in February 2024, previously worked as an assistant coach under Mike Babcock in Detroit a decade ago, during Holland`s tenure as GM there.
Under Hiller this season, the Kings matched franchise records for wins (48) and points, only to lose four straight playoff games to Edmonton after initially leading the series 2-0. Los Angeles is a consistent playoff team with star players and solid depth, but Holland understands his primary task is to help the Kings overcome this plateau and achieve greater success.
“I`m hoping to contribute something to it, maybe a slightly different perspective,” Holland said. “I`m eager to get started… I understand this is a highly competitive market. There`s a lot of competition for the entertainment dollar, so it`s crucial to win and compete. We need to find a way to make the team a bit different, a bit better. I believe the experiences they`ve been through here will benefit us moving forward.”
According to team president Luc Robitaille, Blake voluntarily departed the team less than two weeks prior. Holland described the Kings as “a legitimate Stanley Cup contender” this season and commended Blake for his efforts in rebuilding the team.
The Kings` search quickly focused on Holland, who had spent the past year working in the NHL’s hockey operations department after his departure from the Oilers by mutual agreement. Robitaille expressed that the Kings are “very fortunate” to have hired Holland.
“He understands the path required to win a championship,” Robitaille said. “That`s a difficult thing to achieve and a difficult lesson to learn. His experience, everything he has accomplished throughout his career, is incredibly important for this franchise to reach the next level.”
Holland won one Stanley Cup as an assistant GM in Detroit and three more during his 22 years as the Red Wings` general manager. In 2019, he moved to Edmonton, where the Oilers made the playoffs in all five years of his time there, reaching Game 7 of last year’s Stanley Cup Final before losing to Florida.
Holland wasn`t certain he would return to a front office role after leaving Edmonton, but he feels ready now. He spent the winter watching games nightly from his home in British Columbia when not working with NHL director of hockey operations Colin Campbell.
“I`m excited to be back in the saddle,” Holland commented. “I have a lot of energy. This past winter provided an opportunity for me to recharge my batteries.”
Holland called Los Angeles “one of the world`s great sports cities” and is already experiencing the city`s scope in a way he never did as a visitor. He spent his first two nights in a hotel in Manhattan Beach, the scenic coastal area where many Kings players and executives reside.
“My wife is excited, and my grandkids are really excited,” Holland added. “Let me tell you, they`re looking forward to coming to LA, watching some Kings games, and visiting Disneyland.”
