Coaching Candidate Rejects Kings : Hockey: Dave King, former coach of the Flames, apparently bothered by team’s uncertain future.
Dave King has turned down the opportunity to coach the Kings, leaving former defenseman and current New Jersey Devil assistant coach Larry Robinson as the front-runner for the vacant job.
Former King Butch Goring, coach of the Denver Grizzlies of the International Hockey League, is also under consideration.
King, fired as coach of the Calgary Flames at the end of last season, was considering a three-year contract, two plus an option, to coach the Kings.
Discussions between Robinson and the Kings are also on a three-year deal, for a total amount believed to be around $2 million.
King told friends he turned down the offer because of uncertainty over the future of the Kings in light of the team’s shaky financial situation and the continuing negotiations over the possible sale of the club.
The Kings have been without a head coach since Barry Melrose was fired with seven games remaining in the 1994-95 season.
The Devils are expected to ask for a high draft choice in exchange for Robinson.
* Times staff writer Lisa Dillman contributed to this story.
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