The Toronto Maple Leafs have been looking for a new head coach since firing Craig Berube on May 13. There had been rumors about who the team was interested in, including Joe Pavelski and Bruce Cassidy, who were mentioned in connection with the Maple Leafs’ job.
Now, new GM John Chayka and the Leafs have landed on their man, according to a release from the team.
The Maple Leafs have hired Jim Hiller as the 41st coach in franchise history. Hiller was an assistant with the team from 2015-16 to 2018-19, all under Mike Babcock. They made the playoffs three times in that span, losing in the first round each time.
“Jim is an experienced coach with a strong understanding of what it takes to win in today’s NHL,” Chayka said. “He has worked with successful teams throughout his career, connects well with players and brings a clear approach behind the bench. We believe he’s the right person to lead our team and help us reach our goals.”
Hiller also brings head-coaching experience. He was an assistant with the Los Angeles Kings when they fired Todd McLellan in February 2024. He took over as the coach and brought them to the playoffs, but lost in the first round. The next year, the Kings finished second in the Pacific Division, but lost again in the first round to the Edmonton Oilers. The Kings were 24-21-14 when he was fired during the 2025-26 season by the Kings.
“I’m incredibly excited for the opportunity to return to Toronto and lead the Maple Leafs,” said Hiller. “This is a special organization with great players, passionate fans and high expectations. I’m looking forward to getting to work with our players and staff and doing everything we can to help this team reach its full potential.”
Hiller has also been an assistant with the New York Islanders and Detroit Red Wings. Prior to joining the NHL ranks, he was a head coach with multiple teams in the WHL. Now, he will be tasked with turning around the Maple Leafs, who missed the playoffs for the first time after making it in nine consecutive seasons.
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