Toronto Maple Leafs hire former LA Kings coach Jim Hiller replacing Craig Berube ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft

As the Toronto Maple Leafs wrapped up with the final-round interviews with candidates, signaling that a decision could be imminent, the club has reportedly hired former Los Angeles Kings head coach Jim Hiller on Wednesday.

This was declared by the General Manager John Chayka, that Hiller has replaced Craig Berube, who was removed from his position after the Maple Leafs had a disastrous season this year. According to reports, Hiller returns to Toronto after previously serving as an assistant coach with the Maple Leafs from 2015 to 2019, and the New York Islanders from 2019 22. It is worth noting that he most recently coached the Los Angeles Kings, compiling a 93-58-24 record over parts of three seasons before being dismissed in March. Earlier, the Toronto Maple Leafs' search for a new head coach took another unexpected turn, with reports suggesting the organization is planning to explore candidates outside the group. However, they hired Jim Hiller, who already has experience handling the team a decade ago.

Former LA Kings coach Jim Hiller hired by Toronto Maple Leafs as head coach

The Toronto Maple Leafs have named Jim Hiller as the franchise's 41st head coach, completing a major responsibility ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft. The appointment was announced on Wednesday, weeks after the club parted ways with former head coach Craig Berube.

Hiller, as a coach, has a wide range of experience as he has most recently coached the Los Angeles Kings, compiling a 93-58-24 record across parts of three seasons before being dismissed in March.In announcing the decision, Chayka praised Hiller's leadership qualities and extensive coaching experience, and his ability to connect well with players. Hiller, meanwhile, described the opportunity to return to Toronto as special and expressed excitement about helping the team meet its high expectations.

"I'm incredibly excited for the opportunity to return to Toronto and lead the Maple Leafs. 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 added.After hiring Hiller as the new coach, Chayka added, "Jim is an experienced coach with a strong understanding of what it takes to win in today's NHL. He has worked with successful teams throughout his career, connects well with players, and brings a clear approach behind the bench.”

Chayka is confident and believes that he's the right person to lead the team and help in reaching their goals.The urgency surrounding the hire is due to the team's disappointing 2025-26 campaign, as Toronto finished the season with a 32-36-14 record, placing 28th overall in the NHL standings. It is to be noted that the Maple Leafs struggled throughout the year and ended the season on a seven-game losing streak, which led the club to take significant decisions regarding the team’s retooling. With Hiller as the new coach of the team, the Toronto Maple Leafs will usher in a new era under the leadership of Hiller and Chayka in the upcoming season.