Report: Brian Burke in Talks to Join Flames, Team Schedules Press Conference for Thursday
Brian Burke is this close to becoming a key member of an NHL front office again.
Multiple reports indicate that the longtime hockey bigwig is in talks with the Calgary Flames about joining their organization in an “executive position.” TSN’s Bob McKenzie reported the news Wednesday night as rumors flew with Burke actually in Calgary.
Burke is deep into discussions to join the Flames in an executive position but it is not, as of this moment, done.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) September 5, 2013
Beyond that, for us, it's all speculative. Could very well get done. Enough moving parts/complexities that there could be issues.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) September 5, 2013
What do you think? Leave a comment.
On Thursday morning, the Flames called a press conference for 12 p.m. ET, so it’s becoming safer and safer to assume Burke will be joining the Flames in some sort of capacity. Calgary already has a general manager in place in Jay Feaster, so it might make sense that Burke would be getting some sort of higher-up role, like president of hockey operations or something of the sort. Everything remains speculation at this point, though, with no hard news yet of Burke’s potential involvement.
The Rhode Island native was fired by the Toronto Maple Leafs prior to the lockout-shortened 2013 season and was replaced by longtime friend Dave Nonis. Using players by and large acquired during Burke’s time with the Leafs, Toronto went to the playoffs for the first time since 2004. Burke eventually joined the Anaheim Ducks as a part-time scout.
Burke spent a year as general manager for the Hartford Whalers, and he also served in the same role for the Vancouver Canucks from 1998 to 2004.
