Jim Hiller Appointed Head Coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced on Wednesday that Jim Hiller will be the franchise’s 41st head coach, succeeding Craig Berube. GM John Chayka said Hiller fits the team’s data-centric, player-first philosophy.

Ex-Leaf Winnik sees Hiller as wrong hire, calls Babcock ‘a bully’

In 2025-26 the Leafs fell to a 32-36-14 record, finished last in the Atlantic, and missed the playoffs for the first time in the Auston Matthews era. Injuries and a scoring slump followed a post-Olympics surge.

Maple Leafs’ Dakota Joshua excited to get started with new head coach Jim Hiller

Hiller was a Maple Leafs assistant (2015-19) under Mike Babcock before leading the Los Angeles Kings for seasons. He was dismissed on March 1, 2025-26 after the Kings posted goals per game (2.53), power-play (16.3 %) and penalty-kill (75.7 %) rates.

How did the Maple Leafs end up with Jim Hiller as their head coach?

The Kings ranked near the league top in possession and five-on-five defense but were among the worst scoring teams. The Leafs’ 2025-26 possession numbers were solid, yet goal output fell sharply, highlighting a gap between analytics and results.

How did the Maple Leafs end up with Jim Hiller as their head coach?

GM John Chayka led the hiring. Auston Matthews, William Nylander and Morgan Rielly, who worked with Hiller as assistants, praised his personality. Islanders coach Barry Trotz, a former colleague, publicly endorsed the move.

Barry Trotz thinks the Maple Leafs are in good hands with Jim Hiller: Leafs Morning Take

Chayka said Hiller “connects well with players” and offers a bench approach that matches the team’s analytical direction. In a Zoom interview, Hiller said he is “very open” to data and wants a “fun” environment for the team. Barry Trotz praised Hiller’s communication, hockey IQ and leadership, calling him ready for the Toronto spotlight.

Barry Trotz thinks the Maple Leafs are in good hands with Jim Hiller: Leafs Morning Take

Former Leafs forward Daniel Winnik argued Hiller’s defensive-minded style does not suit the roster, insisting the team needs an “up-tempo scoring style.” He questioned whether Hiller’s power-play success as an assistant would translate to head-coach duties.

Ex-Leaf Winnik sees Hiller as wrong hire, calls Babcock ‘a bully’

• “Jim is an experienced coach with a strong understanding of what it takes to win in today’s NHL,” — John Chayka, GM

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• “As far as using data, information, analytics, I don’t know what the right word for any of that is, I am very open to it,” — Jim Hiller

How did the Maple Leafs end up with Jim Hiller as their head coach?

• “He believes Hiller is more than ready for the challenge of coaching in Toronto and encouraged Leafs fans to embrace the change.” — Barry Trotz

Barry Trotz thinks the Maple Leafs are in good hands with Jim Hiller: Leafs Morning Take

• “To hear that name, I was just like, what the heck, Jim Hiller? Because to me, that’s not the guy to coach this group‚” — Daniel Winnik

Ex-Leaf Winnik sees Hiller as wrong hire, calls Babcock ‘a bully’

Sources differ on Hiller’s strong possession metrics; some see them as a foundation, others stress the lack of offense. His 1-3-1 system with the Kings was noted, but he declined to confirm its use in Toronto, leaving tactical expectations unclear.

How did the Maple Leafs end up with Jim Hiller as their head coach?

2015-19: Hiller assistant with Leafs. Feb 2024: Hired as Kings head coach. Mar 1, 2025-26: Kings fire Hiller. Wed (2026): Leafs announce Hiller as head coach.

How did the Maple Leafs end up with Jim Hiller as their head coach?

The next campaign will test Hiller’s ability to turn analytics into scoring, lift morale and add assets such as trade target Bowen Byram. Management signals openness to roster moves, while fans await measurable progress toward playoff qualification.

Jim Hiller hire in Toronto gives Canadiens an opportunity to take control of the rivalry