Kings’ assistant Coach D.J. Smith Emerges as Potential Head Coaching Candidate
Los Angeles Kings assistant coach D.J. Smith is garnering attention as a potential candidate for head coaching positions across the NHL. Smith, 47, brings a wealth of experience to the table, including over four seasons as head coach of the Ottawa Senators and four years as an assistant coach with the Toronto Maple leafs.
Smith’s Track Record: From Ottawa to los Angeles
Smith joined the Kings’ coaching staff in February 2024, shortly after his departure from the Senators. The Kings hired him after relieving Todd McLellan of his duties and elevating Jim Hiller to the interim head coach position.
Defensive Prowess and Playoff Aspirations
During his tenure in Ottawa, Smith demonstrated an ability to cultivate a strong defensive team. In his last full season (2022-23), the Senators showcased impressive defensive capabilities, ranking among the league leaders in key metrics. Despite the team’s struggles with goaltending and finishing, they were considered a playoff-caliber team by many analytical measures, with a power play ranked 8th in the league, and a penalty kill ranked 14th.
A Young Veteran with a Championship Pedigree
While Smith is still seeking his first NHL playoff appearance as a head coach,his experience extends beyond the NHL. He previously served as head coach of the Oshawa Generals in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) for three years, where he earned Coach of the Year honors and led the team to a league championship. Smith also had a brief career as a depth defenseman in the NHL, playing for the Maple Leafs and Colorado Avalanche.
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Kings’ assistant coach D.J. Smith Emerges as Potential Head Coaching Candidate
Los Angeles Kings assistant coach D.J. Smith is garnering attention as a potential candidate for head coaching positions across the NHL. Smith, 47, brings a wealth of experience to the table, including over four seasons as head coach of the Ottawa Senators and four years as an assistant coach with the Toronto Maple leafs.
SmithS Track Record: From Ottawa to los angeles
Smith joined the Kings’ coaching staff in February 2024, shortly after his departure from the Senators.The Kings hired him after relieving Todd McLellan of his duties and elevating Jim Hiller to the interim head coach position.
Defensive Prowess and Playoff Aspirations
during his tenure in Ottawa, Smith demonstrated an ability to cultivate a strong defensive team. In his last full season (2022-23),the Senators showcased notable defensive capabilities, ranking among the league leaders in key metrics. despite the team’s struggles with goaltending and finishing, they were considered a playoff-caliber team by many analytical measures, with a power play ranked 8th in the league, and a penalty kill ranked 14th.
A Young Veteran with a Championship Pedigree
While Smith is still seeking his first NHL playoff appearance as a head coach,his experience extends beyond the NHL. He previously served as head coach of the Oshawa Generals in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) for three years, where he earned Coach of the Year honors and led the team to a league championship. Smith also had a brief career as a depth defenseman in the NHL, playing for the Maple Leafs and Colorado Avalanche.
Q&A: Unpacking D.J. Smith’s Coaching Potential
- What makes D.J. Smith a strong head coaching candidate?
- Smith’s experience is a major draw. He has head coaching experience in the NHL with the Ottawa Senators, assistant coaching experience with the Toronto Maple Leafs, and a successful track record in the OHL, including a championship with the Oshawa Generals. His focus on defensive structure is also highly valued.
- What were the Ottawa Senators’ strengths under Smith?
- the Senators, under Smith, showed strong defensive capabilities, often ranking among the league leaders in defensive metrics. In his last full season (2022-23), the Senators had a top-10 power play and a respectable penalty kill, showcasing offensive and defensive improvements.
- Why was Smith let go by the Ottawa Senators?
- Smith was relieved of his duties during the 2023-24 season due to the team’s overall performance and a change in organizational direction. Despite his efforts, the Senators struggled to consistently achieve the desired results.
- What can D.J. Smith bring to a new team?
- Smith can bring defensive structure, an understanding of developing young players (honed in the OHL), and experience in managing an NHL team. He’s also known for his work ethic and ability to build relationships with players.He may bring a fresh outlook to a team looking to improve.
- Did D.J. Smith play in the NHL?
- Yes, Smith had a brief career as a depth defenseman, playing a handful of games for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Colorado Avalanche. This experience likely gives him a unique understanding of the game from a player’s perspective.
D.J.Smith’s journey from Ottawa to los Angeles, and potentially beyond, highlights the dynamic nature of NHL coaching. Keep an eye on the coaching carousel – Smith could be making a significant impact very soon!
