The Los Angeles Kings announced that Jiri Hajt, 47, has joined head coach Mike Laviolette’s coaching staff, bringing a decade‑plus of professional experience to a development‑centric organization.
A career built on experience
Hajt’s journey began in the Ontario Hockey League, where he not only played but also served as an assistant coach and assistant general manager for the Guelph Storm, guiding the club through multiple playoff appearances.
His playing résumé includes 582 professional games across six leagues, highlighted by six NHL appearances with the Edmonton Oilers and Washington Capitals, and stints in the Swiss National League and Czech Extraliga.
In the AHL, Hajt spent nine seasons with the Ontario Reign, the Kings’ top farm team, where he helped the club qualify for the playoffs six times and capture two division titles, underscoring his knack for building competitive squads.
From player to mentor
Prior to his current role, Hajt served as an associate coach with the Reign and contributed to the 2015 Calder Cup championship team with the Manchester Monarchs. He also spent time as an assistant coach with the Buffalo Sabres during the 2017‑18 and 2018‑19 seasons, and returned to the OHL as an assistant coach and assistant GM for the Guelph Storm.
The Kings’ management believes Hajt’s blend of on‑ice grit and off‑ice leadership will strengthen player development and reinforce the organization’s commitment to a robust talent pipeline.