The Maple Leafs hired a head coach who already helped develop Matthews and Nylander

The Toronto Maple Leafs have a new head coach and he's no stranger to the building. Toronto named Jim Hiller the 41st head coach in franchise history.

This ends a search that spent weeks circling names like Bruce Cassidy, Joe Pavelski and Patrick Roy, and Hiller is a name we haven't heard too much about but he has a lot of familiarity with the team and he gets the chance to run the show this time

Hiller knows the market and the core very well, he served as a Leafs assistant from 2015 to 2019 under Mike Babcock, running the power-play and working closely with Auston Matthews and William Nylander as they developed into stars.

-

Jim Hiller returns to the Maple Leafs but this time he's already got the players he helped develop

GM John Chayka put out a statement regarding the decision to hire Hiller, pointing to his ability to connect with players as a key factor as to why he was brought in:

Jim is an experienced coach with a strong understanding of what it takes to win in today's NHL. 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 also commented on the hiring, as he is looking forward to working with some old friends as well as new faces and seems ready to tackle whatever comes this year:

I'm incredibly excited for the opportunity to return to Toronto and lead the Maple Leafs. This is a special organization with great players, passionate fans and high expectations.

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.

Hiller was part of the team from 2015-19 as previously stated and during that time he helped lead the Maple Leafs to a 20.4% PP rate during that time, which is good for 14th in the NHL during that span; he also comes in with a 93-58-24 record over three years with the LA Kings but is only 3-8-0 in the postseason.

The search that looked like it was waiting for Bruce Cassidy decided to go with a familiar face instead

Toronto's coaching search was a long and arduous process that landed them on Hiller. But they had a slew of other options and interviewed names such as Patrick Roy, Joe Pavelski and Peter Laviolette.

The team also may have been holding out for more news on Bruce Cassidy as the Vegas Golden Knights were still being prohibitive regarding his future, and it feels like Toronto didn't want to waste anymore time waiting.

Cassidy would have been a good fit given his resume, ability to connect with players, and the fact that he was open to the job. But then again, this is the biggest hockey market in the world - who wouldn't want the job?

It's why Hiller is such an intriguing pick. He's not an experienced head coach but does have a handle of what to do. He also has familiarity with a group that he knows can succeed under his guidance, and depending on the rest of the coaching staff it could rekindle some old magic.

Settling on a bit of familiarity isn't a bad decision though it may make some fans scratch their heads given that there was so much discussion around other names while Hiller appeared out of nowhere to get the job.

We shouldn't be quick to judge though, as he just got here.

Also read on Hockey Patrol :
Jordan Staal called out Mitch Marner moments after winning the Stanley Cup