The Sports Corner

Brian Burke steps down as GM, rumours heat up

At a news conference today in Anaheim it was announced that Ducks’ President and GM Brian Burke would step down effectively immediately from both roles and be replaced by long time right-hand man Bob Murray.

The decision was rumoured to be in the works 24 hours ago after both parties met last week to hash out Burke’s future at the organisation.

Ducks’ CEO Michael Schulman spoke with Burke late last week about the possibility of extending his contract in Anaheim. It was there that Burke confirmed long reported rumours that he did not wish to continue in Anaheim and would be looking to relocate back to the East Coast closer to his adult children, who reside around the Boston area.

Burke’s decision was no surprise to those who follow hockey, it was probably the worst kept secret in hockey. However, the sudden decision to have Burke step aside and move to promote Bob Murray was a shock.

The reasons are many.

The Ducks are considered a legitimate Stanley Cup contender this season, two seasons after winning their inaugural Cup. Burke was the man who assembled the Cup winning roster and staff.

What’s more, Burke has been active in this season’s free agent and trade market trying to improve the current Ducks lineup. Only last week, prior to meeting with Schulman, Burke was speaking to key free agent Mats Sundin about a possible fit with the Ducks.

Timing has also been important. The Ducks struggled out of the gate with some inconsistent performances, of late though they have looked every part the potential Cup winner, so replacing a personality as big as Brian Burke’s would seem an odd decision at such a crucial time of the season.

The Ducks’ decision is understandable though. They want stability in their front office in wake of the Samueli Federal investigation, sanctions from the NHL over the investigation, some challenging cap concerns the past two seasons - which look to only grow this off-season -, and to reassure players approaching free agency there will be no delays or backflips from the organisation when it comes to contract talks.

Burke for his part has said nothing but the best things about the organisation, unsurprising since he has long expressed his heart felt feelings for those in the front office and the Samueli family. He likely will take the next few weeks to months to seriously consider his future.

He remains a senior advisor to the Ducks but will no longer have the ultimate power on personnel and business decisions. At the same time the Ducks will reportedly file paperwork with the NHL confirming their blessing to allow Burke to commence negotiations with other organisations even though he is contracted until the end of the season. Whilst the rumours of a move to Toronto to replace interim GM Cliff Fletcher will undoubtedly grow to a fever pitch in the proceeding days, don’t look for either party to rush to the altar quite yet.

MLSE President Richard Peddie has moved to reassure the current interim GM with his support and dismiss the immediate speculation a deal is a matter of the two parties meeting. Peddie stated to TSN, that “the search is on hold until the spring” when they hope to have more candidates available to interview.

Do not be surprised to see the deal happen before the spring though. Brian Burke - whether you like his gruff demeanour or not - is highly regarded by those in NHL front offices. He has, in the space of a week, gone from meeting with the NHL’s top free agent, to being the NHL’s top free agent.

To many his availability will be too much for the Leafs to say no.