Maple Leafs name Jim Hiller as new head coach on June 17

The Toronto Maple Leafs have hired Jim Hiller as the team's new head coach, announced on June 17, 2026. Hiller, previously head coach of the Los Angeles Kings, recorded a 93-58-24 record but failed to advance past the first round of the playoffs. His hiring comes after a search that reportedly included discussions with around 55 candidates, with Hiller's selection surprising many. Maple Leafs GM John Chayka described Hiller as an experienced coach with strong insights into winning in today's NHL. Hiller has previous ties to the franchise as an assistant coach under Mike Babcock from 2015 to 2019, where he helped develop key players like Auston Matthews and William Nylander.

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