The Leafs' head coach has been handed a pink slip.

Toronto - The Toronto Maple Leafs’ head coach has been handed a pink slip.

Paul Maurice has been axed with one year remaining on his three-year contract.

Maurice said that he was happy that he was fired now rather than the middle of a seaon.

The Leafs finished dead last in the Northeast Division.

Mourice is expected to have a news conference on Thursday.