Terry Murray fits the parameters of what the Kings were looking for in a head coach. Whether he works out better than Marc Crawford remains to be seen, but Murray could be the most important hire in team history.
Murray signed a three-year contract and as introduced as the franchise's 22nd coach on July 17. He faces a significant challenge by taking over a young roster and a team that has finished at the bottom of the conference two years running.
In seeking a coach to replace Crawford, who was fired in June after two rough seasons, general manager Dean Lombardi sought one major skill: the ability to teach and develop young prospects.
Lombardi was impressed with Murray's work as an assistant coach with the Philadelphia Flyers for the last four years, when he was credited for his work with younger players. Murray, 58, is a 25-year coaching veteran.
Murray, a NHL and WHL defenseman in his playing days, had three previous head-coaching jobs. He led Washington (1990-94), Philadelphia (1994-97) and Florida (1998-2000) and his highlight came in 1997, when he coached the Flyers to the Stanley Cup Finals.
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Who would benefit for the Kings in FA since the cap went up. The kings have cap space to sign a big free agent. To me Malone would be a good fit for the kings. Next to Dustin 1-2 combo punch. Also I think Brian Campbell could be add to the defense until the youngsters develop at manchester. Who else would yo
WTF was Lombardi thinking trading Visnovsky in hopes of signing another middle of the road defenseman to go along with Rob Blake. Well Lombardi's king size gamble just put a world of pressure on two teen defensemen, Drew Doughty and Colten Teubert who will probably be called upon due to the exodus of the ultimate self
Just a real quick question for all the King's fans. Who would want the head coach position during this rebuilding phase? I have not been keeping up to date with who's out there and who is actually interested. The Kings have always suffered on defense and they let Blake(a future hall of famer and franchise player) go and then dump
