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Todd McLellan. | Photo courtesy of Robrovsky/Wikemedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
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The Los Angeles Kings fired coach Todd McLellan Friday, replacing him on an interim basis with assistant coach Jim Heller for the remainder of the season.
The Kings are 23-15-10 and in fourth place in the eight-team Pacific Division but 3-8-6 in their last 17 games. They were 16-4-3 to start the season, including an 11-0-0 road record, the longest road winning steak to start an NHL season.
The Kings are seventh in the NHL’s Western Conference and have the first wild-card playoff spot. They will resume play following the All-Star break Feb. 10 by playing host to the Edmonton Oilers.
“We want to thank Todd for his hard work and dedication to the organization,” general manager Rob Blake said in a statement. “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.”
McLellan was hired in April 2019 and coached the Kings to a 164-130-44 record.
Hiller, 54, was hired as an assistant coach on July 19, 2022, after serving in the same capacity over the previous eight seasons with the New York Islanders, Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings.
Updated Feb. 2, 2024, 11:15 a.m.
