As expected, Ken Holland has officially been named Vice President and General Manager of the LA Kings. In doing so, he becomes the 10th GM in franchise history, replacing the departed Rob Blake.
Holland brings a long and impressive resume, including his 2020 induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Through the course of his career, he’s held a variety of roles — including Assistant GM in Detroit (1994-97), GM of AHL Adirondack (1994-97), Amateur Scouting Director (1987-94) and Western Conference Scout (1985-87). He also arrives in LA as the fifth-winningest General Manager in NHL history, accumulating an all-time record of 1,145 – 644 – 272 (.622 PTS %) over 26 seasons between the Red Wings (1997-2019) and Oilers (2019-24).
He also signed Luc Robitaille to a free agent contract during his time in Detroit, a stint that included the left winger winning his only Stanley Cup as a player.
“I’d like to thank Luc for his continued leadership in steering this process and welcome Ken to the LA Kings,” said Dan Beckerman, President and Chief Executive Officer for AEG (Anschutz Entertainment Group). “We are excited to be adding such a well-respected and proven General Manager to guide our hockey operations at an important time for our organization.”
Robitaille began the search last week, following what was said to be a mutual parting with Blake after the Kings most recent playoff loss to the Oilers.
“As we did our due diligence, we identified Ken as the absolute best option and acted decisively to make him our General Manager,” said Robitaille. “His track record of success is undeniable and after our conversations with him, we were clearly convinced he was the right person for us at this time. He has the experience to lead us on the proper path that will help us win now and compete for the Stanley Cup.”
More comments will be made available later today, as Robitaillle and Holland hold a joint press conference at the team’s practice facility in El Segundo.
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