The Los Angeles Kings are hiring Peter Laviolette as their new head coach, according to sources. The team has agreed to a three-year deal with the veteran bench boss, who brings extensive playoff experience to a roster looking to build on last season's postseason appearance.

Laviolette, 61, sat out the 2023-24 season after the Rangers dismissed him following two years in New York. During his career, he's coached 1,594 games with Washington, Philadelphia, the Islanders, Carolina, and Nashville. His Stanley Cup win with the Hurricanes in 2006 remains a highlight, and he's earned a reputation for strong first-year performances with new teams.

The Kings entered the playoffs in what became captain Anze Kopitar's final season, but Colorado swept them in the first round. After firing Jim Hiller during the Olympic break, D.J. Smith served as interim coach and posted an 11-6-6 record to close out the year.

Los Angeles acquired star winger Artemi Panarin at the trade deadline, giving Laviolette a familiar offensive weapon who thrived under his system in New York. This reunion could accelerate the Kings' rebuild as they aim to return to contention.