Blab Sports
Los Angeles Kings Name Peter Laviolette Head Coach; Kentucky Defensive Lineman Nic Smith Dies
The Los Angeles Kings have named veteran coach Peter Laviolette to lead the franchise in the 2026‑27 NHL season, and the University of Kentucky has confirmed the death of 20‑year‑old defensive lineman Nic Smith, a student‑athlete.
After five straight first‑round playoff exits, the Kings signed 61‑year‑old Laviolette to a three‑year deal. The appointment followed a search that began after interim coach D.J. Smith replaced Jim Hiller in March. Laviolette, who was relieved of duties by the New York Rangers in April 2025, brings a 23‑year head‑coaching résumé that includes stints with the Islanders, Hurricanes, Flyers, Predators and Capitals, and a Stanley Cup triumph with the Hurricanes in 2006.
The Kings have qualified for the playoffs every year since 2022, yet have never progressed beyond the first round—a trend that has raised questions about coaching continuity. General manager Ken Holland has overseen the shift from Hiller to Smith and now to Laviolette. The franchise’s recent highlights include Stanley Cups in 2012 and 2014 under coach Darryl Sutter, but the team struggled offensively, scoring only 220 goals last season and ranking 29th in the league.
Laviolette’s record features 1,594 career games coached, placing him ninth on the NHL all‑time wins list. Every team he has taken over improved in his first season, and five of six have reached the playoffs that year. The Kings stand to benefit from his track record of rebuilding and his familiarity with Crypto.com Arena, the venue the franchise has called home since 1999.
Separately, the University of Kentucky announced that Nic Smith, a defensive lineman for the Wildcats, died on Monday at age 20. University spokesman Jay Blanton said the Kentucky Police Department received a call at 10:03 a.m. reporting a student found dead in a residence hall. Police are working with the Lexington‑Fayette County Coroner, and an initial investigation found no indication of foul play.
Wildcat coach Will Stein released a statement that “our hearts are broken.” The university has not yet disclosed a cause of death. Smith’s passing comes amid a broader discussion of player health and safety in college football, though no direct link to on‑field activity has been suggested.
Laviolette’s arrival coincides with the Kings’ preparations for the upcoming draft and a possible rebuild following captain Anze Kopitar’s retirement. His expertise in player development and defensive schemes could help the team address its scoring woes.
Kentucky’s football program, competing in the SEC, will continue to grapple with the loss of a teammate while focusing on the remainder of the season. The university has not announced any coaching or roster changes in response to Smith’s death.
In short, the Kings have secured a seasoned coach with a proven track record, while the University of Kentucky mourns the loss of a young athlete. The franchise aims to lift its offensive output under Laviolette, and the Wildcats will honor Smith’s memory as they finish their season.
After five straight first‑round playoff exits, the Kings signed 61‑year‑old Laviolette to a three‑year deal. The appointment followed a search that began after interim coach D.J. Smith replaced Jim Hiller in March. Laviolette, who was relieved of duties by the New York Rangers in April 2025, brings a 23‑year head‑coaching résumé that includes stints with the Islanders, Hurricanes, Flyers, Predators and Capitals, and a Stanley Cup triumph with the Hurricanes in 2006.
The Kings have qualified for the playoffs every year since 2022, yet have never progressed beyond the first round—a trend that has raised questions about coaching continuity. General manager Ken Holland has overseen the shift from Hiller to Smith and now to Laviolette. The franchise’s recent highlights include Stanley Cups in 2012 and 2014 under coach Darryl Sutter, but the team struggled offensively, scoring only 220 goals last season and ranking 29th in the league.
Laviolette’s record features 1,594 career games coached, placing him ninth on the NHL all‑time wins list. Every team he has taken over improved in his first season, and five of six have reached the playoffs that year. The Kings stand to benefit from his track record of rebuilding and his familiarity with Crypto.com Arena, the venue the franchise has called home since 1999.
Separately, the University of Kentucky announced that Nic Smith, a defensive lineman for the Wildcats, died on Monday at age 20. University spokesman Jay Blanton said the Kentucky Police Department received a call at 10:03 a.m. reporting a student found dead in a residence hall. Police are working with the Lexington‑Fayette County Coroner, and an initial investigation found no indication of foul play.
Wildcat coach Will Stein released a statement that “our hearts are broken.” The university has not yet disclosed a cause of death. Smith’s passing comes amid a broader discussion of player health and safety in college football, though no direct link to on‑field activity has been suggested.
Laviolette’s arrival coincides with the Kings’ preparations for the upcoming draft and a possible rebuild following captain Anze Kopitar’s retirement. His expertise in player development and defensive schemes could help the team address its scoring woes.
Kentucky’s football program, competing in the SEC, will continue to grapple with the loss of a teammate while focusing on the remainder of the season. The university has not announced any coaching or roster changes in response to Smith’s death.
In short, the Kings have secured a seasoned coach with a proven track record, while the University of Kentucky mourns the loss of a young athlete. The franchise aims to lift its offensive output under Laviolette, and the Wildcats will honor Smith’s memory as they finish their season.
