Ken Holland, the newly appointed General Manager of the Los Angeles Kings, confirmed during his introductory press conference that Jim Hiller will continue as the team`s head coach for the upcoming season.
Speaking at the Kings` training facility on Thursday, Holland lauded Hiller`s work and expressed enthusiasm for their future collaboration. Holland, a Hall of Fame executive returning after a one-year hiatus, takes over the GM role from Rob Blake.
The 69-year-old executive, previously the GM for the Detroit Red Wings and Edmonton Oilers, indicated that he does not intend to drastically change the team, which has reached the playoffs four times consecutively (losing to the Oilers each time in the first round). He specifically stated he will retain Hiller as coach and plans to keep the existing assistant GMs and hockey executives who worked under Blake.
Holland stated, “Jim is going to be the coach.” He commended Hiller for doing “a fabulous job,” highlighting the team`s 105 points, strong defense, effective special teams, and hard-nosed play. Holland felt the team had the potential for a long playoff run this year and believes Hiller will improve next season based on this year`s experience.
Holland mentioned he had a two-hour discussion with Hiller the previous day. Hiller took over from the dismissed Todd McLellan in February 2024. Notably, Hiller served as an assistant coach under Mike Babcock in Detroit about a decade ago, during Holland`s time as the Red Wings` general manager.
Under Hiller, the Kings equaled franchise records for victories (48) and points this past season. However, they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by Edmonton for the fourth straight year, losing four consecutive games after taking a 2-0 lead in the series. Despite being a consistent playoff team with star players and solid depth, Holland acknowledged that his mandate is to help the Kings overcome this hurdle and reach a higher level of success.
Holland expressed his aim “to add something to it, maybe a little different idea.” He emphasized the competitive nature of the Los Angeles sports market, stating the importance of winning and competing. He is focused on finding ways to make the team “a little bit different, a little bit better” and believes the team`s recent playoff experiences will be beneficial in the future.
According to team president Luc Robitaille, Rob Blake`s departure less than two weeks ago was voluntary. Holland described this season`s Kings team as a “legitimate Stanley Cup contender” and credited Blake for his work in rebuilding the franchise.
The Kings quickly identified Holland as their target. He had spent the previous year working in the NHL`s hockey operations department after mutually agreeing to leave the Oilers. Robitaille stated that the Kings feel “very fortunate” to have hired Holland.
Robitaille highlighted Holland`s championship pedigree, saying, “He knows the path of what it takes to get to the championship,” which he described as a difficult thing to achieve and learn. He believes Holland`s extensive career experience is crucial for the franchise to advance.
Holland`s decorated career includes one Stanley Cup as an assistant GM in Detroit, followed by three more during his 22-year tenure as the Red Wings` general manager. He joined the Oilers in 2019, leading them to the playoffs in each of his five years there, including a run to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final last year before losing to Florida.
Holland admitted he was uncertain about returning to a team`s front office after leaving Edmonton but feels ready now. He spent the winter watching games nightly from his home in British Columbia and working with NHL director of hockey operations Colin Campbell, which he says helped him recharge.
He enthusiastically stated he`s “excited to be back in the saddle,” feeling energetic and that his “batteries re-juiced” over the past year.
Calling Los Angeles “one of the great sports cities in all the world,” Holland mentioned he`s already starting to experience the city beyond just being a visitor, having stayed recently in Manhattan Beach, an area popular with Kings personnel.
He added that his wife and grandchildren are also excited about the move, with the grandkids particularly looking forward to visiting LA, attending Kings games, and going to Disneyland.
Tristan Blackwood