Toronto Maple Leafs turn to Jim Hiller as head coach after disappointing season

[p]Hiller, a 57-year-old Canadian, went 93-58 with 24 overtime losses with the [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/los-angeles-kings/CIDo8i2o/"]Kings[/a] 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.[/p][p]Hiller replaces Craig Berube, who was fired May 13 by incoming [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/toronto-maple-leafs/ShE7Z8G3/"]Maple Leafs[/a] general manager John Chayka.[/p][p]Hiller was an assistant coach with the New [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/new-york-islanders/xESz5TGG/"]York Islanders[/a] from 2019-22 and for the Maple Leafs from 2015-19.[/p][p]"[b]I'm incredibly excited for the opportunity to return to Toronto and lead the Maple Leafs,[/b]" Hiller said. "[b]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.[/b]"[/p][p]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.[/p][embed guid="1ce39f29-2406-4c9c-9517-51def2c7cac9" url="https://x.com/MapleLeafs/status/2067230869790539965?s=20" social-type="twitter" /][p]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.[/p][p]"[b]Jim is an experienced coach with a strong understanding of what it takes to win in today's NHL,[/b]" Chayka said. "[b]He has worked with successful teams throughout his career, connects well with players and brings a clear approach behind the bench.[/b][/p][p]"[b]We believe he's the right person to lead our team and help us reach our goals.[/b]"[/p][p]The hiring leaves the [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/edmonton-oilers/Mg0qoxeI/"]Edmonton Oilers[/a] and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/vegas-golden-knights/fTT0TsUg/"]Vegas Golden Knights[/a] as the only two NHL teams without a coach.[/p]