New Maple Leafs coach Jim Hiller has superstar connection

Jim Hiller is back behind the bench as the 41st head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs, bringing with him a seven-year connection to star center Auston Matthews. Hiller, who previously served as an assistant coach in Toronto from 2015-2019, maintained communication with the Arizona-raised captain even after leaving the team.

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Even after I left, there were times when Auston and I would get together in Arizona, have a lunch, B.S. just to keep in touch. So it hasn’t been seven years since we’ve communicated.

"Even after I left, there were times when Auston and I would get together in Arizona, have a lunch, B.S. just to keep in touch," Hiller told reporters Thursday. "So it hasn’t been seven years since we’ve communicated." This familiarity with Matthews, who captained the United States to Olympic gold in 2026, could be a significant asset for the Maple Leafs, especially amid a trend of American NHL stars seeking returns to U.S.-based clubs.

Hiller's coaching approach emphasizes building personal relationships. "You have to communicate, but I think beyond that you have to connect," he explained. "Once people feel comfortable, they can talk to you, have good conversations with you, and then you can steer the conversations and try to get on the same page hockey-wise." He previously worked with the New York Islanders as an assistant before taking on his most recent head coaching role with the Los Angeles Kings, where he compiled a 93-58-24 record over parts of three seasons before being fired in March.

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I’m really fond of those guys. They’re great players, and so just looking forward to get on the bench and coach them again.

Hiller replaces Craig Berube, who was dismissed after two seasons with the Maple Leafs following the team's failure to make the playoffs last season. The team is looking to Hiller to improve performance and potentially address the growing number of North American stars who have moved from Canadian to American franchises.

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You have to communicate, but I think beyond that you have to connect. Once people feel comfortable, they can talk to you, have good conversations with you, and then you can steer the conversations and try to get on the same page hockey-wise.