Quick, somebody tell Jayson Megna.
The Los Angeles Kings became the first team to fire their head coach this season, relieving John Stevens of his duties on Sunday after just 13 games. Replacing him is former Vancouver Canucks head coach Willie Desjardins, who takes over in an interim capacity.
Time to get it going and focus on the rest of the season. #GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/7xQQB6E8V0
— LA Kings (@LAKings) November 4, 2018
The Kings currently sit in last place in the entire NHL, with a 4-8-1 record.
“This is a critical time in our season and our results to date have fallen well below our expectations. With that in mind, this was a difficult decision but one we feel was necessary,” said Kings GM Rob Blake. “We have a great deal of respect and appreciation for John’s time with our organization. He was a key part of our past success, and we have tremendous gratitude for his many contributions.”
The Kings also fired assistant coach Don Nachbaur, with former Canucks winger Marco Sturm taking his place.
This is just the second NHL head coaching job for Desjardins. He compiled a 109-110-27 record over three seasons with the Canucks from 2014 to 2017.
The 61-year-old spent last season as the head coach of Canada’s national team, leading them to a bronze medal at the Winter Olympics in February.
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