Leafs fire coach Paul Maurice

Paul Maurice has been fired as coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs after his team failed to make the playoffs during his two seasons.

Maurice has a year left on his contract and was informed of the decision Wednesday morning. He told The Canadian Press from his Toronto home that he was aware that his dismissal was a possibility.

The team scheduled an afternoon news conference at Air Canada Centre.

The Maple Leafs finished 12th in the Eastern Conference and missed a playoff spot by 11 points.