The Toronto Maple Leafs have tabbed Jim Hiller as their next head coach, the team announced Wednesday.
Hiller posted a 93-58-24 record as head coach of the Los Angeles Kings for parts of the last three campaigns before being fired in March. The Kings lost to the Edmonton Oilers in Round 1 of the 2024 and 2025 playoffs under his guidance.
L.A. was a strong defensive team during Hiller's tenure, ranking No. 1 in the NHL with 2.60 goals against per game and 2.26 expected goals against per 60 minutes at five-on-five, per Natural Stat Trick. However, the Kings also ranked 23rd in goals per game over that span.
Nonetheless, Hiller's defense-first approach should help a Maple Leafs team that ranked 31st in the league in goals against last season.
"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 in a statement. "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."
The 57-year-old previously worked for the Maple Leafs as an assistant coach under Mike Babcock for four seasons (2015-19). Current Maple Leafs Auston Matthews, William Nylander, John Tavares, and Morgan Rielly all played under Hiller when he was in Toronto.
"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."
Following his initial stint in Toronto, Hiller served as an assistant coach with the New York Islanders under Barry Trotz for three seasons (2019-22). He then became an assistant in L.A. before replacing Todd McLellan as head coach midway through the 2023-24 campaign.
The Maple Leafs casted a wide net in their search to replace Craig Berube, reportedly being linked to names such as Jay Woodcroft, Patrick Roy, Joe Pavelski, Dallas Eakins, and Pat Ferschweiler before landing on Hiller.
