The Toronto Maple Leafs have officially named Jim Hiller as the franchise’s new head coach, ending an extensive search that followed the dismissal of Craig Berube in May. The announcement was made Wednesday by the organization.
Hiller arrives in Toronto with NHL head coaching experience after leading the Los Angeles Kings. Prior to his time in Los Angeles, he served as an assistant coach with the Maple Leafs from 2015 to 2019 under Mike Babcock, making this a return to an organization he already knows well.
The 57-year-old coach brings a strong coaching résumé that includes NHL assistant coaching stops with the Maple Leafs, New York Islanders, and Los Angeles Kings, as well as a successful junior coaching career in the Western Hockey League.
Toronto’s coaching search included interviews with numerous candidates and was one of the organization’s top priorities following a disappointing 2025-26 season that saw the club miss the playoffs. General Manager John Chayka and Senior Advisor Mats Sundin ultimately selected Hiller to guide the team’s next chapter.
Hiller now takes over a roster led by captain Auston Matthews and faces the challenge of returning the Maple Leafs to Stanley Cup contention. His familiarity with the organization and previous experience working in Toronto were believed to be significant factors in the hiring decision.
The hiring marks another major step in the Maple Leafs’ offseason overhaul as the club looks to rebound from a difficult season and restore itself as a contender in the Eastern Conference.
