One day after firing Jim Hiller, the Los Angeles Kings (24-21-14) provided interim coach D.J. Smith with reinforcements from the AHL while grappling with key injuries and eyeing the March 5 trade deadline. Smith's debut comes Tuesday against the Colorado Avalanche.
Following the dismissal of head coach Jim Hiller on March 1—detailed in prior coverage—the Kings placed forward Joel Armia on injured reserve, recalled forward Jared Wright and defenseman Angus Booth from the AHL's Ontario Reign, and designated defenseman Jacob Moverare as non-roster on March 2.
Injuries have plagued the team post-Olympic break. Forward Kevin Fiala is out for the season with a broken left leg from Olympic play with Switzerland. Andrei Kuzmenko is week-to-week after meniscus surgery and may miss the rest of the regular season. Drew Doughty, Armia, and Trevor Moore are sidelined short-term with illnesses or injuries. The Kings sit three points behind Seattle for the Western Conference wild-card spot.
General manager Ken Holland, who acquired Artemi Panarin from the New York Rangers pre-Olympics, hinted at limited deadline moves despite scoring woes. Rumors swirl around Montreal's Patrik Laine. The team also plans to honor captain Anze Kopitar in his final season before retirement.
Smith's first game is March 2 at Crypto.com Arena vs. the league-leading Colorado Avalanche (39-10-9), followed by home dates vs. the New York Islanders and Montreal Canadiens, then road at Columbus Blue Jackets. Four or more points could boost playoff chances.
