The Los Angeles Kings have fired coach Todd McLellan Friday and announced Jim Heller will be the interim head coach for the remainder of the 2023-24 season, according to general manager Rob Blake.
McLellan has been the coach of the Kings since April 2019 at the start of the 2019-20 season. The Kings have lost 14 of their past 17 games as the NHL heads to the All Star break in Toronto this weekend. The Kings were 164-130- 44 under McLellan.
Blake is scheduled to address the media on Monday about the coaching change. Hiller will be available to the media on Thursday, the day the team returns to practice following the All Star break.
"We want to thank Todd for his hard work and dedication to the organization," Blake said on the team's website. "He has done a tremendous job in moving us forward and making a positive impact on our group and in our community. This was not an easy decision, but we felt the change was necessary at this time. Jim is a well-respected member of our staff who is familiar with our players. We are confident in his ability to lead our team effectively during this pivotal time."
The Kings are 23-15-10 and in fourth place in the Pacific Division. They are the seventh place team in the NHL Western Conference and have the first wild card playoff spot.
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