Vegas Golden Knights fans are all too familiar with Pete DeBoer. They know him as the head coach responsible for the only season where they missed the Stanley Cup playoffs (2021-22). He's also known for getting teams like the Golden Knights to the semifinal round, only to lose.
But Vegas could be seeing DeBoer's memorable mug a lot more in the upcoming seasons. Again, the keyword here is could, so take this with a grain of salt since he's happy where he is. According to Cam Robinson of Elite Prospects, it is rumored that the former Golden Knights head coach was in advanced discussions with the Los Angeles Kings on a new deal.
While not finalized, hearing that Peter DeBoer and the LAK have had advanced discussions.
— Cam Robinson (@Hockey_Robinson) December 5, 2025
I'm told DeBoer is quite happy at the moment, so a deal would seemingly need to be substantial for him to sign on.
Now, DeBoer is known for many things, aside from having a flawless Game 7 record (9-0). He's also known for impaling his goaltenders on the sword (see Marc-Andre Fleury and Jake Oettinger). It's part of why he was ousted from both prior gigs, aside from the semifinal appearances getting long in the tooth.
But there's another layer to this. Why would the Kings be looking for a head coach when they're in a playoff spot? Could this be for them to finally beat the Edmonton Oilers in a playoff series? Or is there something deeper involved? Let's unravel the rumors and see what's going on with the former Golden Knights head coach.
What does former Vegas Golden Knights head coach Pete DeBoer possibly joining the Los Angeles Kings mean?
Entering Friday, the Kings found themselves in a prime playoff position. They sat in third place in the Pacific Division with 31 points. Yet, the team has battled offensive inconsistency all season, leaving them with few options. Could a shoot-and-pray head coach work here?
Better yet, would he be hired in an assistant role? If the rumors are true, wouldn't it make more sense for DeBoer to join the staff to establish said shoot-and-pray style? It would be unorthodox to fire a head coach while holding a playoff spot, despite being consistently eliminated by Connor McDavid.
Still, it's worth wondering if DeBoer will ever get an NHL job again. He's been successful wherever he's traveled, including while he was with the Vegas Golden Knights. When you get a record of 98-50-12 with 208 points in three seasons, that automatically makes you an attractive candidate.
That's why he'd make more sense for a team like the Buffalo Sabres. Buffalo has been starving for a playoff appearance since 2010-11, looking for anyone to help them. Why not go with someone with the necessary experience to get you there and take you to the Eastern Conference Final? Who cares about goaltending anyway, right, Terry Pegula? At least you have Josh Allen.
Personally, I'm taking this with a grain of salt. DeBoer's track record of mishandling goalies is a looming dark hole. Besides, the former head coach would only budge if the offer was extravagant. He's content with where he is and has put away his sword unless a big offer comes in. Again, perhaps Buffalo can do something to bring him in by offering him a minority ownership stake in the Bills?