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What was known became the club's official Sunday.
Via the kings:
LA Kings Vice President and General Manager Rob Blake today issued the following statement:
"Today, we thanked Willie Desjardins for his efforts and dedication as Acting Head Coach. We wish Willie and his family nothing but the best for the future. The hiring process of our next head coach is underway and we are looking forward to conducting a thorough research to find the right person to lead our team. "
Desjardins, 27-34-8 after being named Acting Head Coach on November 4, totaled 136-144-35 in 315 NHL games, including a 2014-17 visit to Vancouver. Although his nomination behind the Los Angeles bench is often associated with the treatment of Ilya Kovalchuk and Jonathan Quick's reprimand in front of the camera in Carolina, he has entered the quagmire of a situation such as reality. an impending reconstruction has clearly developed. During the second half of the season, the team traded its best defenseman in 2018-2019, a defender who was playing in a top-four role and two roles as forward-thinking defensemen.
"It was an honor to coach the team," said Willie Desjardins. "It's an excellent franchise and it was great to be part of it."
Do you still have plans for his coaching future?
"No – maybe I should enjoy the win tonight and worry about it in the coming weeks."
– Jon Rosen (@lakinginsider) April 7, 2019
Desjardins is also not faultless after a dark season where we can find fault in several departments. From leadership to coaching to staff, there were gaps in all areas that should inspire some responsible introspection and reinforce the importance of culture, team identity. and membership. These are broader themes that an acting coach might struggle to cultivate and, of course, Desjardins has not been able to achieve such success, to a point as remarkable as that of John Stevens at the beginning of his career. the season. But it does not deserve to be blamed unduly for a situation in which it became apparent that the depth and dimension of the team's challenges were greater than any questionable ice-time distribution.
Technically, eight coaching positions are vacant – Los Angeles, Anaheim, Ottawa, Philadelphia, St. Louis, Edmonton, Buffalo and Florida – but St. Louis should retain acting coach Craig Berube and information has been announced. Sunday afternoon. hire Joel Quenneville after firing Bob Boughner earlier in the day.
There is a real feeling today that the process between FLA and Joel Quenneville is far more advanced than many of us have realized. It's not a done deal, but it's close. It would not be surprising that this process ends in the near future.
– Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) April 7, 2019
Although all teams would benefit from a coach of this caliber, the Kings and Quenneville have never really been a consistent or realistic marriage. Quenneville, the most prominent name for this summer's coaching class, has not communicated its intent publicly. But teams more ahead in their current competitive cycle have openings, as Los Angeles embarks on a planned reshuffle of its lineup and will not position itself as a competitor in 2019-2020 – though they have an amalgam intriguing young qualified candidates whose development will influence the length and fortune of the reconstruction.
Due to the large number of vacancies in the field of training and the desire to better position an organization for draft and free placement while putting in place doctrine and organizational details, teams with positions vacancies will be motivated to act quickly. Two weeks ago, the team was still developing a long list of potential lead coaches, although Todd McLellan has always seemed to be the favorite and communications have taken place between the parties.
The Los Angeles Kings have asked Edmonton for permission to speak to Todd McLellan
– Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) April 7, 2019
Seeking to become faster, more competent and more offensive, the Kings will look for a coach who aligns with their philosophical ideas. McLellan has managed to put in place a concerted structure and strengthen defensive play in the 2016-17 Oilers season. His most lasting success came from the Sharks from 2008 to 2015 when his teams placed eighth in goals, sixth in goals, second in power play and first in number of shots per game over that period.
McLellan, who coached general manager Rob Blake in San Jose from 2008 to 2010, was 434-282-90 in 806 games as head coach of the Sharks and Oilers.
Much more to come on this subject Monday, when Rob Blake will be among those who will speak during the last availability of the season for organized media.
– Main photo via Jeff Vinnick / NHLI
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