Nov 29, 2008 - 1:45 AM
0 shoutsTORONTO (Ticker) -- After spending much time in limbo, the Toronto Maple Leafs finally have their man.
The Maple Leafs on Friday have signed Brian Burke, who stepped down as the Anaheim Ducks' general manager earlier this month. The team officially make the announcement in a news conference on Saturday at 2 p.m. EST.
Burke agreed to a six-year contract that runs through 2014, and TSN of Canada's web site reported the deal is worth approximately $18 million.
Citing an interview with Burke and other unidentified sources, TSN reported that Richard Peddle, president of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, began directly negotiating with Burke on Monday.
Linked to Toronto for over a year through heavy speculation, Burke told TSN that negotiations had been ongoing.
Burke, who resigned from his position with the Ducks on November 12, had said he wanted to head east, 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 had been serving as the Maple Leafs' interim general manager.
"Obviously that's good for Brian," Anaheim coach Randy Carlyle said. "That's what he was looking forward to. He's moved on. From a personal (note), he meant a lot. He gave me my first opportunity to coach in the NHL and he supported our group.
"He did a lot of things that enhanced our coaching staff's ability to get the most out of our players. ... We thank him for that."
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.
"On behalf of the entire Anaheim Ducks family, we would once again like to thank Brian for his tremendous contributions over the last three-plus seasons," Anaheim chief executive officer Michael Schulman said in a statement on Friday.
"Brian stated on many occasions his desire to be closer to his family, which we support. We congratulate and wish him the best of luck with the Maple Leafs."
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.
