Terry Murray fits the parameters of what the Kings were looking for in a head coach. Whether he works out better than Marc Crawford remains to be seen, but Murray could be the most important hire in team history.

Murray signed a three-year contract and as introduced as the franchise's 22nd coach on July 17. He faces a significant challenge by taking over a young roster and a team that has finished at the bottom of the conference two years running.

In seeking a coach to replace Crawford, who was fired in June after two rough seasons, general manager Dean Lombardi sought one major skill: the ability to teach and develop young prospects.

Lombardi was impressed with Murray's work as an assistant coach with the Philadelphia Flyers for the last four years, when he was credited for his work with younger players. Murray, 58, is a 25-year coaching veteran.

Murray, a NHL and WHL defenseman in his playing days, had three previous head-coaching jobs. He led Washington (1990-94), Philadelphia (1994-97) and Florida (1998-2000) and his highlight came in 1997, when he coached the Flyers to the Stanley Cup Finals.

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