The Toronto Maple Leafs hired Jim Hiller as their new head coach on June 17, 2026, after a disappointing season. Hiller replaces Craig Berube, who was fired on May 13, 2026, during a management restructuring.
Craig Berube’s time as head coach ended after the Maple Leafs finished last in the Atlantic Division and 15th in the Eastern Conference during the 2025-2026 NHL season. The team missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since the 2015-2016 season.
John Chayka, the Maple Leafs’ new general manager, said the coaching change was needed to bring in a new direction. Management had reviewed the team’s performance after the season ended.
Jim Hiller expressed excitement about leading the Maple Leafs. He called the team special, with great players, passionate fans, and high expectations. Hiller said he looked forward to working closely with the players and staff.
Hiller has three seasons of experience as the head coach of the Los Angeles Kings. He was replaced by associate coach D.J. Smith on March 1, 2026. Hiller gained experience managing a well-known NHL team in a tough division. His record showed he understands the league’s demands.
Before joining the Maple Leafs, Hiller held various coaching roles that helped him develop skills in hockey strategy and team management. His experience with skilled rosters fits Toronto’s goal to return to the playoffs. The Maple Leafs have many talented players and a dedicated fanbase, creating pressure for the coaching staff.
The Maple Leafs hired Hiller amid a wave of coaching changes in the NHL, as teams try new leadership to improve. They chose a coach with recent NHL head coaching experience to help turn around the team’s recent struggles.
This coaching change is part of the Maple Leafs’ effort to improve after a tough season. Management’s change in staff shows their readiness to try different strategies to get better results. Fans and analysts will watch how Hiller’s approach affects the team’s play next season.
The Maple Leafs’ last season ended with 32 wins, 36 losses, and 14 overtime losses. The team struggled both offensively and defensively. Missing the playoffs added pressure on the coaching and management to make changes for the next season. Hiring Jim Hiller is the first major step.
The Maple Leafs’ leadership change starts a new phase for the team. Jim Hiller faces the challenge of helping the team compete again and meet Toronto’s high expectations. His past NHL coaching experience gives him a foundation to take on this role. The coming months will show how he shapes the Maple Leafs’ play in the NHL.
