The Toronto Maple Leafs have officially found their new voice behind the bench, and it is a familiar one.
On Wednesday morning, the club announced the hiring of Jim Hiller as the 41st head coach in franchise history. Hiller steps in to replace Craig Berube, taking the reins of a team that is navigating a period of massive transition following a highly disappointing 2025-26 season that saw them miss the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
Jim Hiller has been named the 41st Head Coach in franchise history!
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) June 17, 2026
“Jim is an experienced coach with a strong understanding of what it takes to win in today’s NHL,” general manager John Chayka said in a press release. “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.”
Most recently, Hiller took over as head coach for the Los Angeles Kings midway through the 2023-24 season. He was fired last March and replaced by associate coach DJ Smith. He led the Kings to two Stanley Cup Playoff appearances, losing to the Edmonton Oilers in the first round in both years.
He previously spent four seasons as an assistant coach with the Maple Leafs from 2015 to 2019 under former head coach Mike Babcock. During that critical rebuilding era,
"I'm incredibly excited for the opportunity to return to Toronto and lead the Maple Leafs," Hiller stated. "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."