At 62, Phil Housley has stepped behind the bench of the Los Angeles Kings, bringing a blend of Hall of Fame playing pedigree and extensive coaching experience to the franchise.
His 21‑season NHL career saw him rank fourth among defensemen in points, amass 338 goals and earn seven All‑Star selections, a legacy that still resonates in the league.
A Transition to Coaching
After retiring, Housley moved into coaching, beginning as an assistant with the Nashville Predators from 2013 to 2017, a period that culminated in the team’s first Stanley Cup Final appearance.
He then served as head coach of the Buffalo Sabres from 2017 to 2019 before returning to assistant roles with the Arizona Coyotes and the New York Rangers, where he spent the last two seasons under Peter Laviolette.
International Impact
Housley has guided Team USA in six IIHF tournaments, capturing gold at the 1996 World Cup of Hockey and an Olympic silver medal in 2002, while also leading the national team to bronze medals at the 2007 and 2011 World Junior Championships and to two World Championship bronzes in 2013 and 2014.
His international résumé also includes a gold medal at the 1996 World Cup of Hockey and a silver at the 2002 Winter Olympics, achievements that complement his playing legacy.
Now with the Kings, Housley aims to translate his defensive expertise and winning culture into a new era for Los Angeles, hoping to shape a competitive roster that can contend for the Stanley Cup.