Leafs hire Hiller as head coach ahead of NHL draft top pick / Photo: Christian Petersen - GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP/File
Leafs hire Hiller as head coach ahead of NHL draft top pick
Jim Hiller, fired three months ago by the Los Angeles Kings, was named on Wednesday as the new coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs, the NHL club announced.
Hiller, a 57-year-old Canadian, went 93-58 with 24 overtime losses with the Kings but a 2-5-1 run over his last eight games led to his ouster in March, having guided the Kings to first-round playoff losses the two sprevious easons.
Hiller replaces Craig Berube, who was fired May 13 by incoming Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka.
Hiller was an assistant coach with the New York Islanders from 2019-22 and for the Maple Leafs from 2015-19.
"I'm incredibly excited for the opportunity to return to Toronto and lead the Maple Leafs," Hiller said. "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."
The Maple Leafs own the first pick in the June 26 NHL Draft. They went 32-36-14 to finish last in the Atlantic Division, missing the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since 2016.
The Leafs have won only two playoff series since 2004 and have not gone past the second round since 2002. They have not won the Stanley Cup since 1967.
"Jim is an experienced coach with a strong understanding of what it takes to win in today's NHL," Chayka said. "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 hiring leaves the Edmonton Oilers and Vegas Golden Knights as the only two NHL teams without a coach.
M.Kohnen--JdB
