The Toronto Maple Leafs announce that Jim Hiller is their new head coach, becoming the franchise’s 41st coach. Multiple outlets report that Hiller, 57, is hired as the successor to Craig Berube as part of an offseason coaching and personnel overhaul led by new general manager John Chayka. The team also brings Hiller back to the organization, where he previously worked as an assistant coach during the early Auston Matthews–Mitch Marner era.
Reporting across outlets says Hiller most recently coaches the Los Angeles Kings, serving as head coach for two or parts of three seasons. The Athletic and Yahoo Sports note that he is dismissed by the Kings on March 1. Details on Hiller’s background describe him as a veteran figure in NHL coaching and development, with experience working with notable players and teams.
Other coverage notes that his name was not a major focus of recent coaching speculation, which had linked Toronto to other figures before the hiring becomes official. The team’s announcement is dated Wednesday.
