Leafs fire Burke and appoint Nonis GM
Posted January 10, 2013 6:40 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
TORONTO, Ont. – It’s the end of the road for Brian Burke as president and general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
In a press conference Wednesday afternoon, MLSE announced Burke, 57, was dismissed from his post. He had been with the team since 2008.
Tom Anselmi, the president of Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment (MLSE), said the decision had been talked about for months following an extensive review of the hockey club by Anselmi and the new ownership group.
Sportsnet analyst and Toronto Star columnist Damien Cox revealed that it was actually Bell’s president and CEO George Cope who pushed for Burke’s dismissal.
Cox said Cope didn’t like Burke’s style, his manners or his profanity.
MLSE was officially taken over by Rogers — the parent company of 680News — and BCE in August.
“The news is coming as a shock but I don’t think the decision has happened overnight,” Anselmi told a packed, hastily assembled news conference at the Air Canada Centre.
“It’s a conversation that’s been ongoing and we came to a decision.
“Once we got to that decision I’m a firm believer it’s only fair to make the decision and move forward.”
Anselmi said Burke will remain with the team as a senior adviser.
Dave Nonis, Burke’s second in command in Toronto, will take over as General Manager and Senior VP.
Nonis, 46, becomes the 14th GM in Leafs franchise history. He previously worked with Burke in Vancouver before both were in Toronto, and served as the General Manager of the Toronto Marlies, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Maple Leafs.
“I came in (Wednesday) morning and was informed of the decision,” a solemn Nonis said. “This is a shock for a lot of people.”
“I want to thank Brian for everything he’s done for this organization and years down the road, we’ll be able to look back and see the mark that he made, which is significant,” Nonis said.
“I’d like to thank him personally for all he’s done for me. I’ve worked for Brian for most of my adult life and he’s always been a great friend and mentor.”
One of his first priorities will be to sort out the club’s goaltending situation. Rumours that the Leafs are in talks with the Vancouver Canucks to acquire Roberto Luongo have been floating around for several months. There was talk Wednesday that a potential Luongo deal may have been a factor in Burke’s dismissal.
Anselmi said that wasn’t the case.
“No, no, not at all,” he said.
Nonis said he couldn’t discuss any pending transactions.
“First of all, it doesn’t help get a deal done and second of all we’re not permitted to do so,” said Nonis. “Players that under contract to other clubs remain off limits in terms of commenting.”
The Maple Leafs have missed every post-season since Burke has been at the helm, last reaching the playoffs in 2004.
In 2012, the team finished in 13th-place in the Eastern Conference.
The move comes only days before the start of the regular NHL season, which was delayed nearly four months due to the 113-day lockout. A tentative agreement was reached on Sunday morning.
The Leafs are reportedly beginning their season on Jan. 19.
Late last season, Toronto made a head coaching change, hiring Randy Carlyle to replace Ron Wilson.
Before being named GM and team president in November 2008, Burke spent three-plus seasons managing the Anaheim Ducks and guided them to a Stanley Cup win in 2007.
He also previously served in the NHL front office as senior vice-president and director of hockey operations and as general manager of the Vancouver Canucks and Hartford Whalers. The 57-year-old Providence, R.I., native was also GM of the 2010 U.S. Olympic men’s hockey team.
He arrived in Toronto as a somewhat divisive figure. Some fans hailed him as the saviour of the franchise, while others worried he wouldn’t be capable of rebuilding a team that hasn’t appeared in a playoff game since 2004.
Burke wasn’t afraid to make some big moves during his time with the Maple Leafs. He landed Dion Phaneuf in a seven-player deal with Calgary in 2010 and the defenceman was named team captain.
But Burke’s most hotly debated trade was a 2009 deal with Boston, when he acquired sniper Phil Kessel for two first-round draft picks and a second-round selection. The Bruins used the picks to select star forward Tyler Seguin, Dougie Hamilton and Jared Knight.
A portion of MLSE’s official statement:
“I’ve worked closely with our Board to evaluate the long-term direction of the Leafs, and as a result of this assessment we have decided to make these leadership changes,” said Anselmi.
“We are grateful to have such a deep and talented hockey operations department to allow us to make such significant changes seamlessly. We believe in Dave and the team and their abilities to lead the Maple Leafs out of this lockout and into the upcoming season.
“Brian will not have direct authority over hockey operations, however this new role will allow our Board and I to continue to benefit from his hockey expertise. We want to thank Brian for accepting his new role and staying on with our organization.”
