Ducks' GM Burke to be replaced by Bob Murray

A commenter at Sportsnet said it best by providing a link to a story about massive speculation that Brian Burke would become the next Leafs' GM. The following is what Burke said back in January:

"I have no intention of going anywhere else," says Burke. "I've said this repeatedly to anyone who will listen.

"I'm not sure which part of it I'm not saying in English."

The Toronto job would be great, he said, but he and his wife are happy in California.

"We really love it in Anaheim," Burke said. "We work for special people there. We want to stay."

So what gives? It's too early to say. Burke may just stay in California and take a different job for all we know. But if he heads to Toronto, then you will know how much lip service this guy gives.

**UPDATE**
Aha! Bullshit it is! Burke is heading East at some point. He wants to be in the same time zone as a couple of his kids.
Richard Peddie says in the clip that he is surprised by Burke's move. Yeah right.

According to TSN's sources:

Burke will remain in a senior advisory capacity with the Ducks for now but that the final word on any hockey operations decisions in Anaheim will be made by Murray. Sources say Burke will, in this advisory capacity, have the ability to freely negotiate future employment opportunities as a GM in the NHL.

The press conference is coming up in a few minutes. The link to the stream is here. I can't wait to hear Burke get riled up during or afterwards if the media asks 'certain' questions. Those should happen later on today.

WHAT ABOUT BOB?

Bob Murray used to be a Professional Scout for the Canucks from 1999-2005 under who? Brian Burke. Murray has an a fair bit of managerial experience.
But Murray is better known to Blackhawks fans. He spent 25 years in that organization as a player, assistant GM and GM (1997-99). More Murray info can be found here.

T Tags: Brian+Burke+replaced+Bob+Murray Anaheim+Ducks+GM
Bob+Murray+profile

Stan Smyl and Dave Gagner promoted to new Canuck management roles

I'm not going to get into this too much except to say that Stan Smyl has been named Director of Collegiate Scouting in the USA and Canada and Dave Gagner has been named Director of Player Development.

“The expansion of Stan’s role and the addition of Dave to our staff are a significant step in our continued efforts to enhance the way we develop and evaluate young players,” said Mike Gillis. “In today’s NHL, evaluating players and supporting their growth as young professionals is imperative to a club’s success. We are committed to this important initiative and are confident that both Stan and Dave’s new roles with the club will assist us a great deal.”

So basically Smyl is promoted from Director of Player Development and Dave Gagner, who was the coach of the London Knights, takes over the Steamer's former job.
It sounds like Gillis has the future of the club under his thumb. I like how he is scouting North American talent a lot closer. Now we'll see how they perform at Draft Day tomorrow and more importantly on July 1 when free agency season begins.

T Tags: Canucks Stan+Smyl Dave+Gagner promotion staff Director+of+player+development Director+of+collegiate+scouting

Forsberg return unlikely / Staios fined / Pyatt Update / OT rule changes?

This from Don Baizley, Forsberg's agent today via TSN:

"The prospect of Peter having enough confidence in the foot-skate issue to commit to being able to play in the NHL this season isn't where it needs to be at this moment," Baizley told TSN. "As a result, teams are being told it is unlikely he will be able to commit to return to the NHL this season."

Ah, there goes a lot of the trade deadline fun. Now we know Nonis is going thrift shopping by February 26th for sure. Expect a risk or gamble offensive player(s) for lower draft picks.
With both Tomas Kaberle and Rob Blake saying that they are not leaving their respective teams today as well, the whole luster of a big active deadline is growing dimmer by the second. Who's suprised, except for the idiot rumor sites?

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It was Steve Staios who overhand slashed Alex Burrow's arm after he scored the empty net goal to sink the Oilers on Saturday. Today, he was handed an undisclosed fine, and not suspended. Fair enough. If Burrows was injured on the play a suspension would have gone down for sure. Burrow's swinging slash on Jarret Stool's leg could have been reviewed as well. Ah well. Can't wait till these teams play again.

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The Canucks are keeping quiet as to what exactly Pyatt injured after getting smoked along the boards by Zach the monkey Stortini. Apparently Pyatt will accompany the team on their 2 game road trip. He will not play Tuesday against Minny and is doubtful for Thursday's game against Nashville.

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The 30 NHL GM's met in Florida today to discuss a variety of issues surrounding rule changes and what not. One of the biggies, and I'm not sure if Brian Burke initiated it, is to cut the minor penalties in regular season overtimes to 1 minute instead of 2. There's concern because a minor penalty takes up 40% of the 5 minute OT. I'm a little torn on the issue, but am slanted towards agreeing with this concept. Then again, I also think OT's should be 10 minutes long. 5 minutes of 4-on-4 and 5 minutes of 3-on-3 with no shootouts. Then again, if you had 3-on-3's and someone took a penalty, you'd have 2 minutes of 2-on-1's. Now that would be bat shit insane, wouldn't it?
Anyways, check out the above link for more on what the GM's discussed.

T Tags: Forsberg+return+unlikely Trade+Deadline Staios+fined Burrows Pyatt+injury+update General+Managers+meeting+Florida