With some of the moves the Toronto Maple Leafs have been making, it seemed like a foregone conclusion that Brian Burke was the man the Leafs were after.
Ron Wilson, Burke’s former college buddy at Providence, is the new head coach. Al Coates, a former colleague of Burke’s in Anaheim, is the new director of player personnel.
So where in the world is Brian Burke?
Burke is serving out his final year in Anaheim, because Ducks owner Henry Samueli wouldn’t release him from the final year of his contract. It doesn’t make sense to have someone doing a job they don’t want to do, right? Well for Samueli this may all just be a pre-emptive strike.
Samueli is a shrewd businessman—follow me here folks.
Both the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Department of Justice have been investigating Broadcom Corporation for backdating of stock options. The investigation reportedly began in mid-February 2007.
Samueli, the former CEO of Broadcom Corporation, resigned as CEO of his own company on May 15—warning sign number one that something was amiss.
Following the conclusion of the Ducks' season, amid rumors that Burke would be on his way to the Maple Leafs, Samueli announced that he would not release Burke from his contract for the upcoming season.
On June 23, 2008, just weeks after not releasing Burke, Samueli pleaded guilty for lying to SEC for $2.2 billion of backdating. He was suspended indefinitely as the Ducks' owner by the National Hockey League.
13 comments Last one added 11 months ago — Leave a Comment
Shawn Owens 11 months ago
Slimey and Shrewed!
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josh millar 11 months ago
whatd ya think folks?
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Ken Armer 11 months ago
It is without a doubt a good perspective, something I hadn't put together. Nice job, i think you might be on to something here.
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Scott Lindquist 11 months ago
I really don't think bringing Burke to Toronto as a GM will change much. Interesting information though.
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Alan Bass 11 months ago
i don't think he should be in toronto. he would not work well with the city, and he is not really the GM that everyone thinks he is
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josh millar 11 months ago
scott,
its a step but i agree
its an ownership problem to many hands stirring the pot
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Scott Fitzsimmons 11 months ago
I'm not sure people were anticipating this happening this year. Everything the Leafs have been doing has been pointing towards the Leafs making the move for Burke next year when he's done his contract. Fletcher's "Interim" tag wouldn't have been lifted if he wasn't going to be the GM this year. If there was any chance of Burke being let out, you are right, he won't be now. I just don't think the leafs were planning for this year anyway.
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josh millar 11 months ago
was i the only one who saw the press conference?
he doesnt want to be in anaeim
theres an extension on the table he didnt sign
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josh millar 11 months ago
EXactly!
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josh millar 11 months ago
the other way around he kept his gm because he knew hed be suspended
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Todd Reilly 11 months ago
interesting insights josh way to dig deep however it wouldn't surprise me in the least of burke finds himself in t.o. next season. you have to consider though if he doesn't want to be in anaheim anymore, which i believe is true, how good a job is he going to do this season for the ducks?
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josh millar 11 months ago
he will be there in TO next season that my point
burke already had his key pieces in place anyway
the guy who gets the raw deal is cliff fletcher
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dane freeman 11 months ago
brian burke ruined the 'nucks franchise. the team was in a downward spiral with no farm team when he was released. burke came to anaheim with the ducks already set up to suceed. he had nothing to do with building this francise. trading mcdonald for weight, signing big bert for 2 years both big busts. since he has been at the ducks helm their draft picks have even been poor. burke is a great entertainer however lacks serious skills as a G.M. I would love to see cliff signed to an extension.
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