The Los Angeles Kings have removed the interim tag from Jim Hiller as of today. News broke from former NHL goalie and current insider Kevin Weekes that Jim Hiller signs a new deal to be the full-time coach. He was the interim bench boss after Todd McLellan was fired on February 2.
**Breaking News **
I’m told the @LAKings have removed the interim tag , and signed Jim Hiller to a multi year Yr Contract Extension as HC . #GoKingsGo #HockeyX #HockeyTwitter @sportsemmys pic.twitter.com/Lche29sqLr— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) May 22, 2024
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Jim Hiller Signs as Full-Time Kings Coach
Hiller has been a long-time and well-respected assistant in the NHL. However, Hiller never got a chance to lead an NHL squad until this season. The Port Alberni, British Columbia native went 21-12-1 after taking over for McLellan after the All-Star Break.
He was an assistant coach with the Detroit Red Wings , New York Islanders and Toronto Maple Leafs before landing in Southern California. Hiller helped steady the ship after the Kings flirted with missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, Los Angeles was eliminated from the post-season once again by the Edmonton Oilers.
Hiller was also a coach in the Western Hockey League with the Tri-City Americans. He helped lead the club to the WHL Final in 2010, but lost to the Calgary Hitmen. The former NHLer also was a head coach for the then-expansion Chilliwack Bruins and for the BCHL Alberni Valley Bulldogs.
What It Means
This means some form of continuation from the previous regime. However, Hiller will have a chance to leave his own imprint on the club. He does have experience running a power play and does have some decent weapons.
One thing is that the pressure is on him and General Manager Rob Blake to finally take the next step into the second round. The Oilers have thwarted the Kings the last few seasons, but the pressure to move past their rivals is mounting. The off-season could be a busy one in the City of Angels.
Main photo by: James Guillory – USA TODAY Sports
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