Leafs Hire Hiller to Fix Power Play and Restore Postseason Form

The Maple Leafs spoke with more than 25 candidates before selecting Jim Hiller as their 41st head coach on June 17, 2026.

Hiller’s Toronto Roots and Familiar Core

Hiller previously served as an assistant coach in Toronto from 2015 to 2019 under Mike Babcock, directly overseeing Auston Matthews, William Nylander and John Tavares during that span. This prior exposure gives the 57-year-old immediate knowledge of the room and the market pressures unique to the franchise. Chayka highlighted this alignment with organizational standards during Hiller’s introductory media availability.

Craig Berube was dismissed on May 13 after the Leafs missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016, prompting the search. Hiller’s four-year assistant tenure stands in direct contrast to the higher-profile external options such as Patrick Roy or Peter Laviolette that Chayka passed over.

The decision favors internal continuity over external star power for a veteran roster already familiar with Hiller’s systems.

Power-Play Mandate and Kings Contrast

Under Hiller’s direction the Leafs power play ranked among the NHL’s best during his 2015-19 stint. The unit must improve from its 15th-place finish last season if Toronto is to rebound immediately. Hiller will oversee this critical special-teams element from day one.

In Los Angeles during 2025-26 Hiller’s Kings converted 17 percent of power-play opportunities, the fifth-worst mark in the league, while scoring the fourth-fewest goals overall. Toronto’s superior offensive talent pool offers Hiller more weapons than the Kings roster provided.

Chayka’s choice therefore places responsibility squarely on Hiller to translate that firepower into results within the same tactical framework.

Risks of an Unproven Bench Boss

Hiller coached only one full season as Kings head coach and failed to advance beyond the first round, a trajectory that mirrors Toronto’s recent postseason shortcomings. If the power play falters again under his watch, Hiller’s tenure could prove short.

Chayka accepted the calculated risk of bypassing more accomplished candidates to accelerate the organization’s shift toward a faster, possession-oriented identity. The NHL coaching market remains zero-sum, leaving little margin for error in year one.

Outlook for Core Players and Management

Matthews and Nylander face direct consequences if results do not improve quickly, with their futures potentially tied to Hiller’s success. Chayka himself will carry one major strike against his early record should the hire fail to deliver postseason hockey next spring.

The choice reflects a deliberate bet on familiarity and specialized expertise over pedigree.