New Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Jim Hiller is taking a deliberate approach to finalizing his coaching staff, leaving incumbent assistants Derek Lalonde, Mike Van Ryn, and Steve Sullivan in limbo. Hiller, formally introduced to the media Thursday at the Ford Performance Centre, said he is still working through the process and needs more time to decide on his lieutenants.
Hiller's Deliberate Process
Hiller noted that general manager John Chayka and Mats Sundin conducted a thorough search, interviewing more than 25 candidates before settling on the one-time Leaf assistant. That thoroughness is now being applied to the assistant coach decisions. The current assistants will want to know their status soon to explore other opportunities this summer.
Hiller couldn't hide his enthusiasm for DJ Smith, with whom he shared good times in Toronto on Mike Babcock's staff. Smith also worked with Hiller in Los Angeles, and it was anticipated Smith would return to Toronto had Babcock not hired him this week for the Edmonton Oilers. "DJ and I spent a lot of time together as you know," Hiller said. "We talked about (Toronto) a little bit, but there are always different things that come into play. Him and I will remain good buddies."
Reconnecting with Players
Hiller's wife and family attended the press conference, where he has been rekindling many friendships from the Babcock era. He has spoken to players such as captain Auston Matthews, whom he has lunched with over the years in Scottsdale, Ariz., and scheduled a chat with defenceman Morgan Rielly, who has been the subject of trade rumours. "I'm trying to get through everybody," Hiller said. "We've been playing phone tag with a few guys. In town, I can meet with the guys (already living here) face-to-face, which is important."
Hiller becomes the fourth head coach for the Leafs since the 2019-2020 season, a turnover that has led to many assistant coaches shuffling on and off the bench. The new coach's decisions on his staff will be closely watched as the team prepares for the 2026-27 campaign.
