…and you can all (both?) breathe a sigh of relief that you’ll hear no more Brian Burke updates in this space. Fromhttp://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hnBFANCARcu428jlCR8Wm3y-MmbwD94NN7H81:
TORONTO (AP) — Brian Burke and the Toronto Maple Leafs have agreed to a six-year deal for the former Anaheim general manager to take over as president and GM, The Associated Press learned Thursday night.
“The deal is done,” said a person familiar with the negotiations who spoke on condition of anonymity because the team isn’t ready to announce it. That could come Saturday.
The Canadian Press and the Globe and Mail first reported the agreement.
Burke spent the past three-plus seasons with the Ducks, leading them to a Stanley Cup title in 2007. He stepped down Nov. 12 after declining to sign a contract extension that would take him beyond this season.
“I am really excited that Brian is able to get this straightened out, if it is true,” Toronto coach Ron Wilson said.
Burke, Wilson’s college roommate at Providence, will replace Cliff Fletcher, hired as interim general manager following John Ferguson’s firing in January.
“He’s done a great job setting the table for Burkie. An unbelievable job,” Wilson said after the Maple Leafs’ 2-1 shootout loss in Ottawa on Thursday night.
Burke, also Vancouver’s former general manager, worked with Toronto player personnel director Al Coates with the Ducks.
