Hardy Is Back With the Kings

Mark Hardy has professed an ambition to become an NHL head coach, and he will take a step in that direction today when he is announced as a King assistant.

“I’m very happy,” said Hardy, who agreed to a three-year contract with the Kings. “I’ve been wanting to go up in the hockey world, and at this point of my career, this is great.”

With 53 goals and 250 assists for 303 points, Hardy held all of the Kings’ records for scoring by a defenseman until they were broken last season by Rob Blake.

Hardy, 40, spent 11 seasons with the Kings in an L.A. career that was interrupted by a trade to the New York Rangers in 1988. He was traded back to the Kings in 1993.

He finished with 62 goals and 308 assists for 368 points, accumulated in time also spent with the Rangers and Minnesota North Stars.

Hardy has spent the last two seasons as an assistant coach with Long Beach of the International Hockey League. Two seasons ago, because of injuries to the Ice Dogs, he played several games.

Hardy will be joining new King Coach Andy Murray, who said upon being hired in June that he wanted at least one former player on his staff.

He did not know Murray until being interviewed a week ago.

“I’m very high on Andy Murray,” said Hardy, who will work with the King defensemen.

Another assistant also will be named today, and the Kings will not use a goalie coach.