Peter Laviolette returns to NHL as Los Angeles Kings appoint veteran coach for 2026 season amid interest from Toronto Maple Leafs

Peter Laviolette is back in the NHL, officially, as the new head coach of the Los Angeles Kings. The veteran bench boss has plenty of experience and a reputation as one of the league’s most accomplished coaches.The hiring comes as reports emerged that the Toronto Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers were also keeping tabs on Laviolette during the most recent coaching carousel. With his addition, Los Angeles gains a veteran head of department ahead of the 2026 season.Peter Laviolette has been named the new head coach of the Los Angeles Kings after the organization chose the veteran coach to guide the franchise into the 2026 season.The hiring returns one of the NHL’s most veteran coaches to the league. Laviolette had interest from several teams before the Kings hired him, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported. The terms of the contract have not been disclosed.In his career, Laviolette has coached 1,594 NHL games and compiled an impressive record of 846 wins, 562 losses, 25 ties and 161 overtime defeats.He won a Stanley Cup championship with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2006. He has also coached the New York Rangers, Washington Capitals, Nashville Predators, Philadelphia Flyers and Carolina Hurricanes over the years, building a reputation for turning teams around quickly.Adding Laviolette gives the Los Angeles Kings a proven coach with playoff experience and championship credentials.Los Angeles has been a competitive team in recent years, but has been looking for more postseason success. The organization will hope Laviolette’s leadership and tactical know-how can help push the team into Stanley Cup contention.Meanwhile, the Toronto Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers will continue to work through other options as the NHL coaching carousel spins on. There’s another noteworthy development to add to what’s been an eventful offseason, and one that will likely feature prominently in upcoming NHL news roundups.