<P> Paul Maurice, who had previously coached the inaugural season of the Maple Leafs' Toronto Marlies farm team, was named as Quinn's replacement . On June 30, 2006, the Leafs bought out fan - favourite Tie Domi's contract . The team also decided against picking up the option year on goaltender Ed Belfour's contract; he became a free agent . However, despite the coaching change, as well as a shuffle in the roster, the team did not make the playoffs in 2006--07 . During the 2007--08 season, John Ferguson, Jr. was fired in January 2008, and replaced by former Leafs' general manager Cliff Fletcher on an interim basis . The Leafs did not qualify for the post-season, marking the first time since 1928 the team had failed to make the playoffs for three consecutive seasons . It was also Sundin's last year with the Leafs, as his contract was due to expire at the end of the season . However, he refused Leafs management's request to waive his no - trade clause in order for the team to rebuild by acquiring prospects and / or draft picks . On May 7, 2008, after the 2007--08 season, the Leafs fired Maurice, as well as assistant coach Randy Ladouceur, naming Ron Wilson as the new head coach, and Tim Hunter and Rob Zettler as assistant coaches . </P> <P> On November 29, 2008, the Maple Leafs hired Brian Burke as their 13th non-interim, and the first American, general manager in team history . The acquisition ended the second Cliff Fletcher era and settled persistent rumours that Burke was coming to Toronto . On June 26, 2009, Burke made his first appearance as the Leafs GM at the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, selecting London Knights forward Nazem Kadri with the seventh overall pick . On September 18, 2009, Burke traded Toronto's first - and second - round 2010, as well as its 2011 first - round picks, to the Boston Bruins in exchange for forward Phil Kessel . On January 31, 2010, the Leafs made another high - profile trade, this time with the Calgary Flames in a seven - player deal that brought defenceman Dion Phaneuf to Toronto . On June 14, during the off - season, the Leafs named Phaneuf captain after two seasons without one following Sundin's departure . On February 18, 2011, the team traded long - time Maple Leafs defenceman Tomas Kaberle to the Bruins in exchange for prospect Joe Colborne, Boston's first - round pick in 2011, and a conditional second - round draft choice . </P> <P> On March 2, 2012, Burke fired Wilson and named Randy Carlyle the new head coach . However, the termination proved to be controversial as Wilson had received a contract extension just two months prior to being let go . Changes at the ownership level also occurred in August 2012, when the OTPP completed the sale of their shares in MLSE to BCE Inc. and Rogers Communications . On January 9, 2013, Burke was fired as general manager, replaced by Dave Nonis . In their first full season under the leadership of Carlyle, Toronto managed to secure a playoff berth in the 2012--13 season (which was shortened again due to another lock - out) for the first time in eight years . However, the Leafs lost in seven games to eventual 2013 Stanley Cup finalist Boston in the first round . Despite the season's success, it was not repeated during the 2013--14 season, as the Leafs failed to make the playoffs . </P> <P> Shortly after the end of the 2013--14 regular season, Brendan Shanahan was named as the president and an alternate governor of the Maple Leafs . On January 6, 2015, the Leafs fired Randy Carlyle as head coach, and assistant coach Peter Horachek took over on an interim basis immediately . While the Leafs had a winning record before Carlyle's firing, the team eventually collapsed . On February 6, 2015, the Leafs set a new franchise record of 11 consecutive games without a win . At the beginning of February, Shanahan gained the approval of MLSE's Board of Directors to begin a "scorched earth" rebuild of the club . Both Dave Nonis and Horachek were relieved of their duties on April 12, just one day after the season concluded . In addition, the Leafs also fired a number of assistant coaches, including Steve Spott, Rick St. Croix; as well as individuals from the Leafs' player scouting department . </P>

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