Kings decide not to retain coach Desjardins

The Los Angeles Kings won't retain Willie Desjardins, who spent most of the season as the team's interim head coach, the club announced Sunday. Desjardins took over on Nov. 4 after the firing of John Stevens, who started 4-8-1 in his second season with the Kings. Desjardins led Los Angeles to a 27-34-8 mark as the team missed the postseason for the third time in five seasons.

"Today we thanked Willie Desjardins for his effort and dedication while serving as our interim head coach," Kings vice president and general manager Rob Blake said in a statement. "We wish Willie and his family nothing but the best going forward. The process for hiring our next head coach is underway and we look forward to conducting a thorough search for the right person to lead our team." Desjardins, 62, was the head coach of the Vancouver Canucks for three seasons, from 2014-17, going 109-110-27 with a playoff appearance in his first year.