Maple Leafs Notes: Fabian Brunnstrom Decision Coming, Brian Burke Rumors Begin

Fabian Brunnstrom Sweepstakes Nearing a Close?

According to various sources, it appears that the Maple Leafs, as well as the other teams on the short list in the running for Fabian Brunnstrom, will soon be told whether or not they have won the services of the speedy forward.

A decision should come sometime in the next week or two.  Assistant GM Jeff Jackson has been the man who is mostly in charge of handling the Brunnstrom discussions.

Let the Brian Burke Rumors Begin

At 11:29 EST last night the Anaheim Ducks were eliminated by the Dallas Stars. This ensures there will be a new Stanley Cup champion this season.

This also assured at least a handful of "Brian Burke to Toronto" rumors surfacing by 11:30.

Earlier this season, following the departure of John Ferguson, Jr., Burke said he wasn't at all interested in joining the Toronto Maple Leafs organization.

However, before the start of the Stanley Cup playoffs, Burke changed his answer to his being "remotely" interested.  This of course sent the Toronto media into hysterics.

The first big rumor to have at least a little substance comes from the Boston Globe.

Yesterday the Globe reported rumors that Brian Burke would be named the team's General Manager shortly after the elimination of the Ducks. Hockey Canada President Bob Nicholson would be simultaneously installed as team president.

Howard Berger from the FAN590 radio station in Toronto noted on his HockeyBuzz Blog that a source from inside the Maple Leafs organization fully expects Gord Kirke and Richard Peddie to ask for permission to speak with Burke.

Berger went on to say that with the Ducks being eliminated so early, the Leafs may get hot on the trail of Burke. Then they could have him hired and installed in the position before some of the most important summer dates.  

The buyout period is June 15th-30th. The NHL entry draft is being held on the 20th and 21st this year, and of course July 1st brings the free agency period.  

It is a very important time for any team, especially one in a critical state. This organization finds itself in such a state, and having Burke installed by then would go a long way to righting what is very quickly becoming a sinking ship.

As with any rumors that come out of hockey-mad Toronto, I will approach this one with caution.  Not getting my hopes up prematurely.  

Toronto Marlies Update

The Marlies arrived in San Antonio Sunday. (It's the AHL, so that is a bus ride from Toronto to Texas. Ouch!)

The team did manage to get in a practice on Sunday ahead of game three, which airs tonight from San Antonio.  

The series is tied 1-1, and tonight's game can be heard on AM640 in Toronto.