John Chayka is already garnering a reputation for keeping his cards close to his chest.
One day after the new Toronto Maple Leafs general manager told reporters the hire would be finalized in “a few days,” the franchise unveiled Jim Hiller as the new head coach. While several names were rumored to be in the running for the top job in Toronto, Hiller’s hire essentially came out of nowhere, taking the NHL media by surprise.
Former Maple Leafs Enforcer Gets Brutally Honest on Toronto Hiring Jim Hiller
Hiller has history with the Maple Leafs franchise, having previously worked under head coach Mike Babcock and running what was a pretty impressive power play. At the time, Babcock also spoke highly of how many fresh ideas Hiller brought to the table.
As news of Hiller’s hire spread, former Leafs enforcer Jay Rosehill took notice of the situation, taking to X to pen his thoughts.
“Jim Hiller?? Of all the names thrown around, I’m shocked they just announced him,” Rosehill wrote on social media. “He was kept very under wraps. He knows the market and a lot of these players, at least. Can’t say I’m overwhelmed in either direction
Jim Hiller??
Of all the names thrown around I’m shocked they just announced him. He was kept very under wraps.
He knows the market and a lot of these players at least.
Cant say I’m overwhelmed in either direction— Jay Rosehill (@Jay_D_Rosehill) June 17, 2026
Hiller’s last big job was with the Los Angeles Kings, where he spent three seasons as head coach before getting fired in March. In the City of Angels, he went 93-58-24 in 175 games before being replaced by D.J. Smith. Peter Laviolette then took over the role earlier this month.
“Jim is an experienced coach with a strong understanding of what it takes to win in today’s NHL,” Leafs GM Chayka said in a statement. “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.”
Hiller will need to lean on all of that experience as he looks to revive a franchise that finished at the bottom of the Atlantic Division this past season.
After a rough end to the year, the Leafs cleaned house, bringing Chayka in as GM and Mats Sundin as senior executive adviser of hockey operations.
Toronto has won just two playoff series since 2004, and their Stanley Cup drought stretches back to… checks notes… 1967.
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Luckily for Hiller, he will have plenty to work with this summer. The Leafs have the number one overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft and appear primed to pick Gavin McKenna, who has been touted as a generational prospect.
One day before the Hiller announcement, Chayka also traded Joseph Woll and Simon Benoit to the Philadelphia Flyers for Emil Andrae, goaltender Samuel Ersson, and a third-round pick in the upcoming draft. The Leafs now figure to have about $27 million in cap space (per PuckPedia) with that move, giving them the artillery to go hunting in free agency and the trade market.
The NHL rumor mill has strongly linked Toronto with a move for Tampa Bay Lightning standout Darren Raddysh, but it remains to be seen how much Chayka can wheel and deal in his first summer as general manager of the Leafs.
