The Los Angeles Kings have found their new head coach in the NHL. The team has hired experienced Peter Laviolette on a three-year contract. The 61-year-old American returns to the NHL bench after a year-long break.

Laviolette was one of the most notable free agents on the market. Most recently, he served as the head coach of the New York Rangers from 2023 to 2025, but spent the past season away from coaching duties.

The Kings are gaining one of the most experienced coaches in the NHL. Laviolette’s head coaching career in the NHL began in the 2001–02 season with the New York Islanders, after which he has also led the Carolina Hurricanes, Philadelphia Flyers, Nashville Predators, Washington Capitals, and most recently, the Rangers.

Laviolette has achieved his greatest merit in Carolina, where he led the team to the Stanley Cup championship in the spring of 2006.

In addition to club teams, Laviolette has also been a familiar face on international stages. He has served as the head coach of the United States in the World Championships a total of four times.

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