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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September may be a couple of months away but Hockey season is almost here. Sep 22 at the staple center is the first pre season game. Now I know that the Kings are young and rebuilding (still) but I am excited for the season. I think with a new coach and a young attitude, LA may shock a few people. Let's hope the Kin
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
