TimmyTabasco
6-13-05, 4:35 AM
Never one to shy away from controversy, Burke's high-profile style is apparently what the new Ducks owners are looking for.
Sportsnet.ca -- Brian Burke will be hired as general manager of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks, a source familiar with the negotiations told the LA Times.
Burke, who spent five seasons as GM of the Vancouver Canucks, will sign a five-year deal at more than $1 million per year, the paper reports.
The Ducks are expected to announce his hiring at a June 20 news conference, which will also be used to introduce Henry and Susan Samueli as the team's new owners. The Samuelis have agreed to purchase the team from the Walt Disney Co. for $75 million. The LA Times also reports the NHL's approval of the new owners will probably come Wednesday.
According to the Times, Burke beat out Neil Smith for the Anaheim post. Smith led the New York Rangers to the Stanley Cup in 1994 as a GM. But Burke had the backing of NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, who lobbied the Samuelis, two league sources told the paper.
In six seasons as general manager in Vancouver, Burke built his team on a tight budget. The Canucks made the playoffs the last four seasons, but only advanced past the first round once. Burke's contract was not renewed after the 2003-04 season.
The former Canuck executive will become Anaheim's fourth GM since 2001-02 and is expected to overhaul front office. The contracts on all hockey operations personnel run out this month except for interim GM Al Coates, who has one year left and could remain with the team in another capacity. Coach Mike Babcock and his staff's contracts are also expiring.
Good for Burkie, and also good for Nonis and the Canucks :thumb: :nod:
Sportsnet.ca -- Brian Burke will be hired as general manager of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks, a source familiar with the negotiations told the LA Times.
Burke, who spent five seasons as GM of the Vancouver Canucks, will sign a five-year deal at more than $1 million per year, the paper reports.
The Ducks are expected to announce his hiring at a June 20 news conference, which will also be used to introduce Henry and Susan Samueli as the team's new owners. The Samuelis have agreed to purchase the team from the Walt Disney Co. for $75 million. The LA Times also reports the NHL's approval of the new owners will probably come Wednesday.
According to the Times, Burke beat out Neil Smith for the Anaheim post. Smith led the New York Rangers to the Stanley Cup in 1994 as a GM. But Burke had the backing of NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, who lobbied the Samuelis, two league sources told the paper.
In six seasons as general manager in Vancouver, Burke built his team on a tight budget. The Canucks made the playoffs the last four seasons, but only advanced past the first round once. Burke's contract was not renewed after the 2003-04 season.
The former Canuck executive will become Anaheim's fourth GM since 2001-02 and is expected to overhaul front office. The contracts on all hockey operations personnel run out this month except for interim GM Al Coates, who has one year left and could remain with the team in another capacity. Coach Mike Babcock and his staff's contracts are also expiring.
Good for Burkie, and also good for Nonis and the Canucks :thumb: :nod: