As we arrive at the end of the 2018-19 NHL season we already know who will be leading the Los Angeles Kings next year.
Todd McLellan was hired as the new coach, while Marco Sturm will return as an assistant coach and Bill Ranford will be back as the goaltending coach, as reported by NHL.com
McLellan was named coach on April 16, 2019, and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team. He currently has 11 seasons as head coach, with a career record of 434 wins, 282 losses, and 90 ties. Those 434 wins rank him 33rd on the all-time wins list for coaches, but he is 11th among active coaches. He does have 1 Stanley Cup on his resume, that coming with the Detroit Red Wings as an assistant coach in 2008. Marco Sturm returns as an assistant coach, where he was named to the position November 4, 2018. At the time he accepted the position he was actually the head coach of the German National Team. Bill Ranford returns as goaltender coach and has been at that position since July 10, 2006. This will mark his 13th year as goaltending coach, the longest-tenured goalie coach in team history. He is also the longest-tenured member of the coaching staff. After Ranford was appointed to the position the Kings dropped their goals-against average the following 6 seasons. He worked as a goaltending consultant with the Vancouver Giants of the WHL just before joining the Kings organization.
The Kings have some obstacles to overcome, however, they have the experience behind the bench to overcome those odds. We should be excited about this season as it starts a new, fresh start that the team needs.
Do you like the coaching staff as it stands, or would you like to see someone else?
Photo: Sports Illustrated Stats: NHL.com
