ST. LOUIS, Dec. 11 (UPI) -- The St. Louis Blues announced late Monday they have fired Coach Mike Kitchen and replaced him with former LA Kings Coach Andy Murray.
"Andy comes to us with extensive experience and a very successful coaching pedigree," said Blues President of Hockey Operations John Davidson. "He is one of the most prepared coaches in the NHL and I believe that he is the right person for the job."
Murray, who previously coached Los Angeles from 1999-2006, ranks first in Kings history in both wins (215) and games coached (480).
The Gladstone, Manitoba native also was an assistant coach in Winnipeg (1993-95), with the Minnesota North Stars (1990-92) and Philadelphia (1988-90).
Kitchen, who was named head coach in February, 2004, was only able to lead the Blues to a 7-17-4 record this season, worst in the Western Conference.
