The Los Angeles Kings have reportedly found their replacement for head coach Terry Murray. According to multiple reports, Darryl Sutter has agreed to a multi-year contract to become the next head coach of the Kings.
Helene Elliott of the Los Angeles Times reported that Sutter will be introduced on Tuesday, that Sutter needed a few days to receive proper immigration clearance that is expected on Monday. Rich Hammond of LA Kings Insider reported that John Stevens is expected to remain on Sutter's staff "for at least the rest of the season."
Stevens has served as interim coach for two games and will reportedly coach for two more, Saturday night in Detroit and Monday in Toronto.
Sutter, 53, played for eight NHL seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks, and has a career record of 409-320-101 (.534) in parts of 12 seasons with three different teams. He guided the Calgary Flames to the 2004 Stanley Cup Finals. Sutter worked under general manager Dean Lombardi in San Jose.
Quisp from Jewels From The Crown thinks Sutter will light a fire under the Kings:
Lombardi doesn't want to change the philosophy of the team. He wants to change how that philosophy is taught. Terry Murray is a nice guy, a teacher, a beneficent father figure. Darryl Sutter, for all of his obvious charms, is a snarling crazy person.
The point of (even considering) hiring him is to scare the bejesus out of everyone. Of course hiring Darryl Sutter would be more of the same. Lombardi doesn't want to change the message. He just wants it to be delivered a little more...um...colorfully.
For more news on Darryl Sutter and Kings hockey, be sure to read Jewels From The Crown.