All articles tagged with #dj smith
Edmonton Oilers name D.J. Smith as Associate Coach under Mike Babcock, reuniting with Babcock after Smith’s stint as interim head coach of the Los Angeles Kings (11-6-6 from March 1 through the end of the 2025-26 season). Smith has a long coaching résumé, including Ottawa Senators head coach and earlier roles with the Windsor Spitfires and Oshawa Generals, and began his NHL coaching career with Babcock in Toronto in 2015.
On his first day as Los Angeles Kings head coach, D.J. Smith urged leaving last season's Oilers playoff heartbreak in the past, stressed a clean slate and accountability, and signaled tweaks to the defense and lineup aimed at restoring the team's swagger as it chases a playoff berth with 23 games remaining.
The LA Kings relieved Jim Hiller of his duties and named D.J. Smith interim head coach for the remainder of the season, with Matt Greene joining as an assistant. General Manager Ken Holland said the leadership change is intended to give the team its best chance to reach its potential, and Smith brings NHL and CHL coaching experience to the bench.
The Los Angeles Kings fired head coach Jim Hiller and named associate coach D.J. Smith the interim head coach, with former defenseman Matt Greene joining as an assistant for the remainder of the season. GM Ken Holland described the move as a needed ‘jolt’ after a disappointing stretch that included an 8-1 loss to Edmonton following the Olympic break, despite some prior optimism with the addition of Artemi Panarin. With 23 games left and only a few points out of a playoff spot, the franchise hopes a fresh voice and a few tactical tweaks can spark a turnaround, though further changes may be necessary.
The Ottawa Senators have fired coach D.J. Smith after 26 games into the 2023-24 season, following the team's fourth consecutive loss. Smith, who had been with the team for five seasons, was replaced by Jacques Martin on an interim basis. The Senators also fired assistant coach David Payne. The move comes as the Senators sit last in the Eastern Conference with an 11-15 record and struggle to show consistency. The decision was likely made preemptively to avoid growing discontent from the home crowd. Smith's tenure was marked by slow starts and defensive issues, with the team failing to make the playoffs under his leadership. Martin, a former head coach of the Senators, brings a fresh voice and hopes to replicate his success in transforming the franchise into a playoff team.