Pretty surprised it's Jim Hiller, considering the Maple Leafs were considering several first-time NHL options and unconventional candidates. The only fair thing is to wait and see how his tenure plays out, obviously rooting for Chayka-Sundin-Hiller to work out for the best.
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Instant Reaction: Maple Leafs opt for conventional hire in Jim Hiller after lengthy search for head coach
Photo credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
Jun 17, 2026, 10:00 EDTUpdated: Jun 17, 2026, 09:57 EDT
After conducting an exhaustive search, the Toronto Maple Leafs announced Jim Hiller as their next head coach on Wednesday. Hiller previously served as head coach of the Los Angeles Kings, before he was fired midway through the 2025-26 season.
It’s somewhat of a surprise: Hiller wasn’t reported as one of the finalists, while Joe Pavelski, Patrick Roy, Dallas Eakins and Western Michigan’s Pat Ferschweiler were reportedly among the final candidates the Maple Leafs interviewed.
Hiller will now be tasked with navigating two timelines, where the Maple Leafs are expected to return to playoff contention led by Auston Matthews and William Nylander, while the next core centred around Gavin McKenna, Matthew Knies and Easton Cowan continue to establish themselves. Although it’s unlikely players were directly consulted on the hiring, one would have to imagine that Matthews and Nylander are a fan of Hiller’s tactics and communication style, after their shared experience together.
We’re in wait and see mode, but Hiller’s hiring isn’t enough of a direct departure from Craig Berube. Hiller may not differ too much from the tactics Berube used, which the Maple Leafs simply didn’t care to execute during the 2025-26 campaign. The 56-year-old has familiarity with the Maple Leafs, after working as an assistant coach from 2015-16 to 2018-19.
“Jim is an experienced coach with a strong understanding of what it takes to win in today’s NHL,” Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka said in a 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.”
Chayka previously stated that the next head coach would be the leader of the Toronto Maple Leafs. With Hiller on board, the new executive branch is in order. The next era of Maple Leafs hockey will be governed by Chayka, Hiller and Mats Sundin, with MLSE CEO Keith Pelley presiding closely, demanding results. There were more exciting options, but the crown jewel of the NHL opted for a conventional hire after interviewing several other candidates.
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