LA Kings fans sound off after a crushing 8-1 loss to the Oilers signals the end of Jim Hiller’s tenure. Is it time for a full rebuild, or can the core regroup under DJ Smith? Eddie Garcia navigates passionate reactions, exploring leadership questions around Drew Doughty and Anze Kopitar, trade deadline buzz for Elias Pettersson and Robert Thomas, and the team’s fading identity in the Pacific Division. Listen for heated takes on management’s strategy, the impact of no-movement clauses, and whether defensive woes or coaching changes are the real issue behind the collapse. Trade rumors, potential retools, and strong feelings about the future of LA’s prospects spark debate. Can the LA Kings rediscover their bite before the deadline, or are fans gearing up for bigger changes ahead? Dive into the pulse of Kings Nation as frustrations and hope collide.
00:00 Fan Feedback: Kings Crisis
Show opens recapping the fan response to the 8-1 loss vs. Oilers, Hiller’s firing, and the current negative mood in the Kings fanbase.
12:04 Team Identity & Trade Talk
Fan emails debate coaching failures, management direction, potential trades (Pettersson, Thomas, Liney), and roster construction—plus Eddie Garcia’s responses and opinions on rebuilding vs. retooling and specific player value.
20:39 Coaching Change & Next Steps
Focus shifts to the impact of the coaching change to DJ Smith, Hiller’s legacy, disappointment in management decisions, and a look ahead to upcoming games, trade deadline strategies, and season expectations.
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11 Comments
This is why I said the Panarin trade was a mistake. This team isn't close to winning a championship and most likely doesn't make the playoffs–and if we do, how far do we go'? We gave up Liam Greentree for what–two seasons of a 36 year old on a bad team. We don't have a single scoring center. No dominating defenseman. No tough, hard nosed two way winger. We need to trade half the team. Doughty stays–legacy player–unless he wants to go–fine. Kopitar retiring as he staggers to the finish line. Trade Kuemper–he has value. They made a mistake in their previous rebuild. They didn't draft well. They have given away quality players. They need a strong, established coach. Robitaille needs to move to the P.R. department and leave his current role. I build around Clarke, Laferriere, Mikey Anderson, Byfield as a winger–but I'd trade him for the right package. We have a strong goalie pool. Build from the net out. Focus on drafting a big dominating Defenseman. Big, tough, two-way wingers. High scoring or playmaking centers.
Just a year ago, we were within one game of winning the first round….after a bunch of years. Now, we're 5 points out of the wildcard. What a FREEFALL…………..#GEEZ
Ugh
Blow it up, Fire Luc, dead horse for fans at this point. Maybe fire Luc chants next?
Please trade Drew! Please.
Was a kings fan for life, we need a owner that’s a hockey fan note a business man , this team just breaks my heart.
LA seams too bloated as a team , they don’t care start holding paychecks , you don’t perform you don’t get paid. Like I said once rich boys clubs these pro teams , need to watch college sports 👎🏻💩the pros
Ppl want rebuild after pointless panarin trade, too bad we already lost greentree
Can the Dodgers owners please step up and buy the Kings??? Please!!!!
I’ve been a fan since my birth in ‘81. My parents had season tickets since ‘87 when Wayne came. I played on the first Jr Kings team that went to the Quebec Tourney in ‘95. To say that my blood runs forum blue and gold is an understatement. This said, I am baffled by what this organization has morphed into. We hired a 70 year old GM, who then promptly started signing C+ players. Kopis last season should’ve been something special. This is a disgrace. Sell everything off, reload. This ownership group is shameful.
Kings are one of the worst and boring teams in the league. They are old and with very little future potential. Yet they act like they are a contender instead of pretender. At least be honest with your fans and just admit this is going nowhere. Most people aren't blind and can see the bad product. What turns me off about this franchise after 40 years is the dishonesty with the loyal fan base. I get they are trying to sell tickets but c'mon, this is ridiculous.