Kings Name Taylor New GM

Dave Taylor, a model of grit and hard work in 17 years of playing for the Los Angeles Kings, was named the team’s vice president and general manager Tuesday.

In an executive shakeup, Taylor, 41, replaces both general manager Sam McMaster and chief hockey operations officer Rogie Vachon. McMaster was let go and Vachon will be shifted to the business side of the team’s operations.

Taylor has a four-year contract to rebuild the team, which has missed the NHL playoffs each of the four seasons since they lost to Montreal in the 1993 Stanley Cup final.

Taylor has been the Kings’ assistant GM for the past three seasons, and Kings president Tim Leiweke said, “We don’t think there is a quick answer to our problem. We have a great deal of respect for this man’s integrity, work ethic and passion.”

The Kings’ record was 28-43-11 this past season in Larry Robinson’s second year as coach and McMaster’s third year as general manager.

* RANDY HARVEY

McMaster failed to prove his worth with Kings, prompting front-office shakeup. C2