Nov 29, 2008 - 2:16 PM
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Burke, who stepped down as the Anaheim Ducks' GM earlier this month, has agreed to a six-year, $18 million contract that runs through 2014, according to media reports.
"I'm extremely honored to join the Toronto Maple Leafs," said Burke, the team's 13th general manager. "This is one of the most prestigious jobs in our game.
"This is an opportunity of a lifetime to work for a team in a world-class city with passionate fans, solid ownership and a rich history. I can't wait to get started."
Linked to the Toronto job for over a year, Burke confirmed that negotiations with Richard Peddie - president of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment - had been ongoing for the past week.
"We all agreed that our hockey team needed an experienced, established decision-maker who will make the Leafs a winner," Peddie said. "We know Brian possesses the necessary qualities to meet the challenges ahead for our organization and in this market."
The 53-year-old Burke, who resigned from his position with the Ducks on November 12, 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.
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. He also is serving as the the GM for the 2010 U.S. Olympic hockey team.
