The Los Angeles Kings were eliminated from the Stanley Cup playoffs by the Edmonton Oilers in a tough 6-4 loss in Game 6. This loss marks the fourth straight first-round playoff exit for the Kings and ultimately led to the decision to part ways with general manager Rob Blake. In light of this, it has been confirmed by multiple NHL sources that Ken Holland, a seasoned executive with four Stanley Cup wins under his belt, is set to take over as the new general manager for the Kings. The news was first reported by Rod Pedersen of “The Rod Pedersen Show” and an official announcement is expected later this week.
Holland, who was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2020, brings a wealth of experience to the Kings organization. Previously serving as the executive vice president and general manager of the Detroit Red Wings, where he secured four Stanley Cup victories, he later moved on to lead the Edmonton Oilers to back-to-back conference finals in 2022 and 2024. Despite falling short in the Stanley Cup Final last year, Holland’s tenure in Edmonton was marked by consistent playoff appearances and key acquisitions like Zach Hyman, Mattias Ekholm, and Philip Broberg. His departure from the Oilers came after his five-year contract expired on July 1, leading him to consider other opportunities in the league before landing the role with the Kings.
The Kings roster, which boasts a mix of seasoned veterans and up-and-coming talent, will now be under the leadership of Holland as they look to turn their playoff fortunes around. With players like Anze Kopitar, Drew Doughty, Adrian Kempe, and Kevin Fiala in the lineup, along with promising young stars like Quinton Byfield and Brandt Clarke, there is no shortage of potential in Los Angeles. However, the team has struggled to make a deep playoff run since their Stanley Cup victories in 2012 and 2014, falling short in the first round for the past four seasons. Holland’s task will also involve evaluating the coaching staff, particularly head coach Jim Hiller, who has been at the helm since the 2023-24 season. As Holland steps into his new role, the Kings will be looking to him to bring his winning pedigree and strategic vision to guide the team back to playoff success.
