Maple Leafs tab former Kings bench boss Jim Hiller as next head coach

The Toronto Maple Leafs named former assistant Jim Hiller as the 41st head coach in franchise history on Wednesday morning.

Hiller, 57, returns to Toronto after serving four seasons as an assistant coach under Mike Babcock from 2015-19. He spent parts of the past three campaigns as the head coach of the Los Angeles Kings before being fired on March 1.

"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. "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."

Hiller replaces former Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube, who was fired May 13 after Chayka said a change was necessary because of a need for an "organizational shift."

Toronto posted a 32-36-14 record (78 points) this past season to finish last in the Atlantic Division and 15th overall in the Eastern Conference. The Maple Leafs missed the playoffs for the first time since the 2015-16 campaign.

"I'm incredibly excited for the opportunity to return to Toronto and lead the Maple Leafs," Hiller said. "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."

Hiller compiled a 93-58-24 record in 175 games as head coach with Los Angeles.

He originally joined the Kings as an assistant coach in July 2022 after stints as an assistant with the Detroit Red Wings (2014-15), Maple Leafs and New York Islanders (2019-22).

As a player, Hiller posted 20 points (eight goals, 12 assists) and 116 penalty minutes in 63 career games with the Kings, Red Wings and New York Rangers. He was selected by the Kings in the 10th round of the 1989 NHL Draft.

--Field Level Media