Why Toronto Maple Leafs chose Jim Hiller after extensive coaching search under John Chayka

The Toronto Maple Leafs had one of their longest coaching searches before naming Jim Hiller as the 41st head coach in franchise history. General manager John Chayka reportedly interviewed more than 20 candidates before selecting the former Los Angeles Kings bench boss.

It's a reflection of Toronto's preference for familiarity, experience and a modern approach.The move also reunites Jim Hiller with some players he coached as an assistant in Toronto. His relationship with Auston Matthews and his analytical mind were said to have been factors in his hiring.

Jim Hiller and Toronto Maple Leafs NHL coaching decision

He was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs because they liked his background with the club and his modern style of coaching.John Chayka and the Coyotes front office apparently looked at a lot of candidates before settling on Hiller.

While the opening had several established names attached, there was one that stood apart for its familiarity with Toronto’s core players and organisational culture, the former Los Angeles Kings head coach.Hiller was an assistant coach with the Maple Leafs from 2015 to 2019 and is familiar with the team’s environment firsthand.

How Auston Matthews influenced Toronto Maple Leafs choice

Toronto's decision was reportedly influenced by Auston Matthews' relationship with Jim Hiller.

Hiller coached Matthews during the early years of the captain’s NHL career. Their close working relationship, it is said, was a huge asset in the hiring process. Reports also indicate that Hiller’s experience in analytics was appealing to the Maple Leafs’ leadership group.If you’re a franchise looking to make a postseason run, having a coach who knows your stars and can communicate effectively is considered important.

What Los Angeles Kings experience brings to Toronto

And Jim Hiller has head coaching experience to bring from Los Angeles. Hiller was hired as an assistant coach by the Kings in 2022 and was named the interim head coach in February of 2024 before taking the job full-time. He compiled a .600 points percentage and a 93-58-24 record in his tenure.Despite back-to-back first-round playoff defeats at the hands of the Edmonton Oilers, Hiller gained valuable experience dealing with an NHL roster in a pressure-filled environment.