"Interestingly, Wilson and Anaheim Ducks general manager and executive VP Brian Burke are close friends and former teammates at Providence College in the 1970s, suggesting that Burke, who is said to be in line to become the Leafs' next GM once he secures his release from the Ducks, may be unofficially calling the shots behind the scene for the Leafs."
- An exact quote from the Toronto Sun
When the long expected news of the Anaheim Ducks new AHL affiliation in Iowa broke, it seems the media is still too concerned with Brian Burke hopping on a jet to Toronto.
Hell, with the way the Toronto Sun has lately been portrayed by the L.A. Times, it seems they may soon say Burke is a woman trapped in a man's body and is expected to manage both the Ducks and Leafs among the Iowa franchise, all while whistling Dixie. Yes, I'm going overboard, but this idiocy of he-said-she-said media antics is driving me batty.
Even as news broke Tuesday morning that Burke was denying interest in the Maple Leafs and was focused on his Ducks post, the Sun reported that Burke was "unofficially calling the shots for the Leafs behind the scenes," quoted from an L.A. Times article online. Apparently because Burke's cronies are being hired in Toronto, he has to be in charge.
I guess Ron Wilson isn't good enough to get the job without Big Daddy Burke taking care of him. Pure stupidity. I'm not even a real journalist and this guy makes me want to puke (the writer, not Burke).
"It's an absurd suggestion," Burke said by phone to the Los Angeles Times.
It is clear to everyone involved here with orange and black ties that Burke is committed to the Ducks, right? So why is a contract extension sitting on the table while accusations fly?
Only time will tell what the truth is here, as it seems legitimate that Burke is committed to the Ducks. The contract extension may be a minor issue as Burke seems focused on the offseason with his Ducks.
As far as the Toronto Sun is concerned, maybe they should write something people care about, like Mats Sundin saving a puppy. Leave Brian Burke alone for crying out loud; if he becomes your GM, then congrats, but for now it seems likely he is staying put.
As journalists, with it looking as if he will not be leaving and is NOT in charge in Toronto in any way, you all look like liars. So from here on out I would ignore the yellow journalism by the Sun until they report the news and not full blown rumors and lies.
For more information on the Brian Burke fiasco, the Ducks new agreement with Iowa or just Ducks off-season news be sure to visit The Puck Drop: Your Source for Everything Anaheim Ducks
Image: Courtesy of the LA Times
comments (15) write a comment »
write a new comment
4 months ago
great article, as usual.
when the medias come in the picture, it is not always looking good. they need stuffs to write, they want stuffs to attract readers. if it involves making a big whole story about a GM who will probably never come closer to the Leafs than to a job as a QB in the CHL, then the big speculations it will be.
once again, great read!
4 months ago
Good read Ken. As a Leafs fan, I myself am getting sick of it. I mean if he is coming, then let him come. If he isn't than shut up about it right?
It's just, it's hard to decipher what's fact and what's fiction because obviously this is one of those stories that will not go away. And in the past few years, those stories have mostly came to fruition in Toronto.
Last year, as the season ended and playoffs were underway, there were strong rumours that the Leafs were after Jason Blake, and then in the Summer they signed him.
The year before, even the night of game seven between the Canes and Oilers, someone came up to me and said "Hey I heard Peca is coming to Toronto next year."
So, because of these examples, and the fact that the story won't go away, I seem to believe at least some of it is true.
But who knows, we probably never will know what's fact and what's fiction in this story.
Again, good read Ken.
from 4 months ago
i agree, something is very fishy here and it seems possible there is more than meets the eye. Problems are against Burke going:
1. Under contract
2. He isnt dumb enough to thumb his nose at the nhl and go behind the Ducks back under contract, I HOPE
3. He seems focused on the ducks offseason needs
4. He would be blantently lying to the LA Times, which i dont think any GM would do ever, it would ruin his image, while the Toronto Sun is knowingly printing rumors. Even going as far as printing stuff like hes running the show secretly..i mean for real? c'mon...
I just think this is hurting the leafs more than helping, they need a GM to count on..not a guy invested in somewhere else.
4 months ago
At the heart of every rumour is a grain of truth, no media outlet, not even the Toronto Sun, would fabricate such a grandiose web of fantasy without basis. Such conduct is in breach of the golden rule of sports journalism and will effectively foster an end to said writers' tenure with their respective paper, not to mention alienate them from their peers.
Burke has said, on the record, that he would be interested in one of the most sought after jobs in hockey by being at the helm of one of it's most storied teams, and has also made it clear that he is not against the notion, but as he is contractually bound to Anaheim, there is only so much he can say without biting the hand that feeds.
Burke likes challenges in his assignments, and Anaheim, with the exception of Niedermayer and Selanne going AWOL for 40+ games apiece, has never really presented one. They were a mediocre team for years, and as such, amassed a solid crop of young talent, so all that was really necessary for Burke to do was make a few high profile signings to legitimize the lineup, they won their Cup and he's left with 2 more years there with not much to do aside from deal with said fencesitters.
And lastly, he's a Canadian boy, why the hell would he want to earn another Cup for Southern California when one of the most high profile jobs in the sports world is his for the taking? Anaheim pundits can bellyache all they want but Burke has nothing else to prove in SoCal, and is far too much of a strategist to just sit in an office, counting down the days to retirement.
from 4 months ago
I agree, the job in Toronto makes perfect sense, someone is getting the royal screw here by Burke, as he is saying one thing and rumored to be doing another. Either way its a terrible situation. I would agree he would be more comfortable in Toronto, i don't know whats on the horizon, I'm just tired of two different stories.
4 months ago
Burke's coming. He'll be in Toronto once the Wings win the Cup...and hopefully that will be tonight.
4 months ago
I disagree with both sentiments. If he were going to Toronto this year, he wouldn't have blatantly denied trying to get out of his Ducks contract. Also, he wouldn't be calling the suggestion "absurd." Personally I think Burke would be actng far more shady if he were heading to Toronto any time soon. As for the Wings winning...I really hope not. Here's to a game seven!!!
4 months ago
wow ken very nice article i enjoyed reading it
4 months ago
Great article as always, Ken. Here's my thinking: with Ron Wilson in line to be the next coach of the Leafs, could the Leafs simply attempting to appeal to Burke to lure him into their GM job? Burke has yet to tip his hand to his true feelings, other than his desire for a higher-profile position. It would appear it's business as usual for the current Ducks GM. Would it be possible that Burke would merely be a lame-duck (no pun intended) until his obligations are complete with Anaheim? I guess stranger things have happened. By even suggesting Burke is pulling the strings from afar is giving him far, far too much credit. I would think that what makes the most sense now as the Leafs not appear in any hurry to fill the GM opening, and could potentially just wait out their "guy" upon his availability. Even if it is someone else holding down the personnel decisions on an interim basis... But .... Now I digress.
from 4 months ago
I see probably no doubt Toronto is cooling its jets for Burke, but I'm having issues with how Burke is then bald faced lying to Ducks fans in So Cal about wanting to remain with the ducks...he seems to want to stay their permanently, seems no one knows the truth. I doubt Burke even knows what he wants.
4 months ago
I'm tired of my team always losing their good people. I have lost all respect for both Wilson and Babcock because of the way things went down. Burke would be much better off just staying put.
If Burke leaves Bettman will have his hide. That's already been made public. For the first time in his whole life Bettman is doing the right thing. I can't stand the guy and it amazes me he's actually making the right decision for a change, but believe it or not HE IS!
What could be better for Burke than staying with my team and winning another Cup? :) Lord knows the Wings don't derserve it! And for that matter neither did the Pens but that's a whole different story....
from 4 months ago
I hope everything gets sorted out sooner rather than later so the Ducks can have a good offseason and regroup for 08-09
4 months ago
Bettman cannot discipline Burke for anything Cisca, the Commissioner holds no disciplinary power over team management as each organization is an autonomous entity, and as such any player/coach/GM/stick boy/usher/puck bunny wrangler is under the authority of said organization and all disciplinary matters are at their own discretion. Seeing as Burke has a year left on his deal and cannot take a job with another team without Anaheim agreeing to waive the final year of his contract, if he does it's breach of contract and he leaves himself open to legal action by the team and a lot of brow beating from Ducks fans, Bettman on the other hand can 'express his disappointment' in the decision, but ultimately it's a gesture as useless and empty as he is.
I've liked the Ducks since '92 and have been thrilled with their growth, but I'm beyond sick of all of this feather ruffling (pun intended) over the 'Big Bad Leafs'. If you're so confident Burke won't be leaving because Toronto is the hockey equivalent of the abyss, then surely you have nothing to worry about.
4 months ago
Remember the Fletcher is under contract for 19 months - basically to the end of next season. Seems highly likely that Burke will honour his contract and then come to Toronto then. This season is going to be a bit of a joke anyway.
4 months ago
my anger lies more with the owners of the Ducks. If he has expressed interest and they are holding him to his contract they're stupid. He will only be a lame duck (literally)GM this season if that is the case anyway. This limbo is only hurting everyone involved. Especially now that hes been named the GM for the US Olympic team.
write a new comment