The Los Angeles Kings are close to naming their next head coach, and former Edmonton Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft is among the leading candidates.

The Fourth Period’s Jay Woodcroft reported Monday morning that Woodcroft and Peter Laviolette are two names to “keep eyes on.”

David Pagnotta

@TheFourthPeriod

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The LA Kings are close to naming their next head coach, and it will be a new one. Per sources, DJ Smith is no longer in the running. Keep eyes on Jay Woodcroft and Peter Laviolette.

4:25 PM · Jun 8, 2026

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Woodcroft spent nine years in the Oilers organization from 2015-16 until November 2024, first as an assistant coach with the NHL team under........

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