Nov 28, 2008 - 2:59 AM
0 shoutsBRISTOL, Connecticut (Ticker) -- After spending much time in limbo, the Toronto Maple Leafs finally have their man.
According to a published report on Thursday, the Maple Leafs signed Brian Burke to a six-year deal to become their general manager.
Burke, who stepped down as the Anaheim Ducks' general manager earlier this month, will officially be announced as GM of the Maple Leafs in a press conference to be held on Saturday, according to ESPN.com.
Citing an interview with Burke and other unidentified sources, TSN of Canada's web site reported Wednesday that Richard Peddle, president of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, began directly negotiating with Burke two days prior.
Linked to Toronto for over a year through heavy speculation, Burke told TSN that negotiations have been ongoing.
"It's certainly headed in the right direction," Burke told the web site. "But it's not done yet. I anticipate it will get done, but it's not done."
Burke, who resigned from his position with the Ducks on November 12, had said he wanted to return to the East Coast, where he still has children from his first marriage.
Since turning down the Ducks' extension offer, Burke was given permission by the club to explore other options - one of which turned out to be the Maple Leafs, who fired John Ferguson last January.
Cliff Fletcher has been serving as the Maple Leafs' interim general manager.
Burke was named executive vice president and general manager of the Ducks in 2005. In his second season in Anaheim, the team won the Stanley Cup, defeating the Ottawa Senators in five games. Anaheim became the first West Coast team to win hockey's most coveted prize.
Prior to his hire with Anaheim, Burke was the president and general manager of the Vancouver Canucks for six seasons (1998-2004).
Burke also headed hockey operations for the Canucks from 1987-1992 before leaving to take the general manager's job of the Hartford Whalers.
In 1993, Burke joined the NHL front office as senior vice president and director of hockey operations, serving as the league's chief disciplinarian.
Last month, Burke was named the recipient of the Lester Patrick Award, which recognizes outstanding service to hockey in the United States.
