On Brian Burke and the Toronto rumors.

There is no story in this morning’s editions concerning the media swirl around Brian Burke landing in Toronto because, well, there is no story.

And I also apologize to that segment of the population that likes dealing in rumors because, as a reporter, I don’t. The following guys apparently do (pertinent facts have been highlighted):


– In this report from Canadian ber-network TSN, we learn that Ducks assistant GM Bob Murray, not Burke, does all the negotiating with the Maple Leafs. No reasons are given why … I’ll make it a point to follow up.

– In this report from ESPN, we learnthat the Leafs’ owner currently has no interest in retaining current GM Cliff Fletcher beyond this season.

– In this report from the Toronto Globe and Mail, we learn that Burke and theDucks’ acting owner, Michael Schulman, are getting a tour of the Maple Leafs’ rink and talking with the Leafs’ owner – about the rink, not Burke’s future employment.

– In this reportfrom the OC Register, we learn that Burke has a policy of fielding no more than one question from any reporter on the status of his employment beyond this season. Burke’s answer is: “I’ve been offered a generous extension. There are family issues involved, and we’re still trying to sort it out. There is no change to anything. You won’t read or see anything different.”


To Maple Leafs fans, this is circumstantial evidence of something, the type of circumstantial evidence that would make Johnny Cochrane salivate in his grave.

To Ducks fans … let me hear from you.
This entry was posted in Anaheim Ducks/NHL by J.P. Hoornstra. Bookmark the permalink.

About J.P. Hoornstra

J.P. Hoornstra covers the Dodgers, Angels and Major League Baseball for the Orange County Register, Los Angeles Daily News, Long Beach Press-Telegram, Torrance Daily Breeze, San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Pasadena Star-News, San Bernardino Sun, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, Whittier Daily News and Redlands Daily Facts. Before taking the beat in 2012, J.P. covered the NHL for four years. UCLA gave him a degree once upon a time; when he graduated on schedule, he missed getting Arnold Schwarzenegger's autograph on his diploma by five months.

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