Toronto Maple Leafs tab Wilson to try and find path to NHL playoffs

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2008

TORONTO (AFP) — Ron Wilson was named coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday, taking on the task of ending the longest playoff appearance drought for the National Hockey League club in 80 years.

Less than a month after being fired as coach of the San Jose Sharks, the Canadian took charge of the team he adored as a boy and once played upon, reportedly with a four-year deal worth 6.5 million dollars.

"To be able to come back and be a part of the Maple Leafs again is basically a dream fulfilled that I never thought I'd get to experience," Wilson said.

Wilson, whose first NHL coaching job was at Anaheim in 1993, has a 518-446 with 127 drawn record with the Ducks, Sharks and Washington. He replaces Paul Maurice, who was fired on May 7, five days before the...