Toronto Maple Leafs' new head coach Paul Maurice discusses a play with his team during a break in the first period of the Leafs' home opener against the Ottawa Senators at the Air Canada Center in Toronto, Canada on October 4, 2006. The Senators defeated the Leafs 4-1. (UPI Photo/Christine Chew)

Maurice had an overall record of 76-66-22 and missed the playoffs both seasons, making it three seasons in a row that Toronto failed to qualify to join the battle for the league's top prize, the Stanley Cup.

"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," interim General Manager Cliff Fletcher said in an announcement on the team's Web site. "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."

Assistant Coach Dallas Eakins was offered another position in the organization and fellow assistant Keith Acton was retained.