A familiar face is set to return to Toronto.
The Maple Leafs announced on Wednesday that they have appointed Jim Hiller as their new head coach.
Hiller previously served as head coach of the Los Angeles Kings, a position he held from the start of the 2024‑25 season until his dismissal on March 1 following an 8‑1 defeat to Edmonton.
He was hired as an assistant with the Kings during the 2022‑23 season and was appointed interim head coach in February 2024 after Todd McLellan was fired.
Hiller compiled a 93‑58‑24 record over his three seasons with the Kings.
Prior to his Kings tenure, Hiller served as an assistant coach with the Maple Leafs from 2015 to 2019, later joining the Islanders in the same capacity for three seasons.
Hiller will return to a market renowned for its challenges both on the ice and behind the bench, where General Manager John Chayka cited Hiller’s deep connections with players as a central reason for the appointment.
“What distinguished Jim, as those who have worked with him have emphasized, is his character,” Chayka said on Wednesday.
“Players expressed that they could trust him, felt he had their back, and recognized his commitment to developing them into their best selves. He strives to be player‑centric while also pushing them to excel, creating an environment that fosters growth,” Chayka added.
“I’m not here to dismantle the roster; there are talented players who have proven themselves in the league,” Hiller said.
The role is larger in Toronto, with heightened media scrutiny, but I do not anticipate needing to make major personal adjustments to manage the market,” Hiller added.
The Leafs posted a 32‑36 record, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
The announcement follows shortly after a trade in which the Leafs sent goaltender Joseph Woll and defenseman Simon Benoit to Philadelphia in exchange for netminder Samuel Ersson, defenseman Emil Andrae, and a third‑round draft pick.
