Kings’ Hiring of Robinson Now ‘Appears Imminent’

The hiring of Larry Robinson as the new coach of the Kings “appears imminent,” according to a source close to the negotiations. If the remaining details are worked out as expected, the official announcement will come at a Wednesday press conference.

On the table is a four-year deal, believed to be worth around $3 million.

A major stumbling block has been a demand by the New Jersey Devils, the team Robinson served as an assistant coach last season, for a first-round draft choice in exchange for Robinson’s release. The Kings traded their top choice for 1996 on draft day, but sources close to the talks say alternative compensation is being discussed.

Robinson became the prime candidate for the Kings’ job after former Calgary Flame Coach Dave King dropped out of the running last week.

Butch Goring, a former King and current coach of the Denver Grizzlies of the International Hockey League, also has been considered.

Robinson’s biggest liability is the fact that he has never been a head coach.

His biggest strength is his knowledge of and devotion to the defensive side of the game.

Robinson, 44, a defenseman, spent 17 seasons with the Montreal Canadiens and played on six Stanley Cup winners before closing out his career with three seasons in Los Angeles.

Times staff writer Lisa Dillman contributed to this story.