(Coach fired in fourth season)

The Maple Leafs have fired Ron Wilson as the team’s head coach, one day before the team takes to the ice against the Montreal Canadiens.

Wilson compiled a record of 130-135-45 in just under four years behind the Leafs bench, but did not ever lead the team into the playoffs. Toronto has been mired in a horrific slump, winning just once in their past 11 games.

UPDATE: Randy Carlyle has been named as Wilson’s replacement. Carlyle won a Stanley Cup in 2007 as coach of the Anaheim Ducks with Brian Burke as general manager.

(Originally acquired in deal for Phaneuf)
The Leafs made their first move of the trade deadline on Monday afternoon, sending defenceman Keith Aulie to Tampa Bay in exchange for forward Carter Ashton.

The 22-year-old Rouleau, SK native split his time between the Leafs and (AHL) Marlies this season, collecting two assists in 17 NHL games in 2011-12.

Ashton, son of NHL alumnus Brent Ashton, turns 21 in April. The 2009 first-round pick of the Lightning has 35 points in 56 games this year with the Norfolk Admirals.

(27-year-old PEI native off to Columbus)
The Columbus Blue Jackets have claimed Darryl Boyce on waivers.

Boyce, 27, was originally free agent signing of the Maple Leafs on January 1, 2008. In 64 career NHL games in Toronto, Boyce collected 6 goals and 15 points.

The Summerside, PEI native also had 91 points in 191 AHL games with the Marlies.

(Darryl Boyce has 2 points in 17 NHL games this year)
The Maple Leafs have placed forwards Darryl Boyce and Jay Rosehill on waivers. Both players will be returned to the AHL Toronto Marlies if they clear.

After Monday’s trade deadline, NHL teams are allowed only four recalls to their roster.

In news from Friday’s practice, Colby Armstrong is expected to return to the lineup for the team’s game against Washington on Saturday, while goaltender James Reimer will get a second straight start. Also, a forward will be brought up from the Marlies.

Carl Gunnarsson has been placed on the injured reserve today due an ankle injury sustained in an accident that occured with Jay Rosehill going to the endboards during practice.

Keith Aulie has been recalled from the AHL Toronto Marlies.

Gunnarsson has been playing big minutes for the Leafs and will be missed, especially on the top penalty killing unit. He will be out a minimum of 7 days and will not be available for the 3 game western trip. The road swing starts tonight in Calgary against the Flames, continuing Wednesday against Edmonton and finishing against the Vancouver Canucks next Saturday.

S-Mo is a Leafs fan and hockey homer in the form of an aggregate artist/writer/human being.

Today, February 7th 2012, marks the 36th anniversary of Darrel Sittler’s big night.  Ten points in one game against the Boston Bruins. It’s a feat that never has been matched.

It was a Saturday night with most of Canada watching a Hockey Night in Canada broadcast. The Toronto Maple Leafs blasted the Boston Bruins, 11-4. Sittler would accomplish something very special, scoring six goals and had four assists, giving him a total of 10 points for the game.

Sam Gagner of the Edmonton Oilers had an eight point night recently, and Mario Lemieux had eight once, and Gretzky did it twice.