Wed May 7 16:03:31 2008

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Leafs fire Maurice

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Toronto, ON (Sports Network) - The Toronto Maple Leafs have fired head coach Paul Maurice after another disappointing season.

Maurice had one year remaining on a three-year deal.

The Maple Leafs posted a record of 76-66-22 during Maurice's two years at the helm, but the storied franchise missed the playoffs in both seasons and has not reached the postseason in the three years since the NHL lockout.

"My objective is to create the best environment possible for the next Leafs general manager to bring in his own staff and to create a new culture around the team," said interim general manager Cliff Fletcher in making the announcement. "Since the season ended we've spent considerable time evaluating our organization and how best to move it forward. Paul has been in a difficult position for several months. Making this decision now also provides the best opportunity for Paul to pursue all options potentially open to him."

Maurice took the Leafs job after spending the 2005-06 campaign as the head coach of the club's AHL affiliate in Toronto. He was also the head coach of the Carolina Hurricanes franchise for seven full seasons and parts of two others.

The 41-year-old native of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario began his NHL head coaching career at the age of 28 with the Hartford Whalers 12 games into the 1995-96 season and remained with the club when it moved to Carolina in 1997. He led the Hurricanes to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2002, losing to the Detroit Red Wings in five games.

Assistant coach Randy Ladouceur has also been relieved of his duties, while assistant Dallas Eakins was offered another position within the organization. Keith Acton will remain as an assistant coach, a position he has held for the past eight years.