I may be in the minority, but I'm really going to miss the big lug. I think he was on the verge of doing something very special here.
Outside of that, he wore his heart on his sleeve. Anyone who remembers he constant defense of Bertuzzi, right or wrong, way back when, should know that. If you were one of his players, he would have your back to the death (well, outside of Bure's when he demanded the trade).
Burke spoke his mind, and had no time for d-bags with the hatchet-job journalism tactics of guys like Simmons, and in the end, I think that was what cost him. If you were fair, he would be open with you (see the Duthie interview).
The non-playoff years, while warranted, was just the excuse given for his firing. The new owners want their yes-man, and Burke was never going to be that. It was a clash of personalities, and the new owners have two successful brands to consider. They want the guy running the ship to be well-liked by their fans, and in turn, their customers. Again, Burke was never going to be that. Not by everyone, like a Kenny Holland.
Losing a child is something most of us, thankfully, will never experience. I really think that affected him more than he showed. Despite the obvious pain in his voice, the weathered look on his face, I really think it affected him more than most of us saw. As he says in the interview "work is my therapy." I have no doubt Burke will land on his feet and get another GM gig. One thing he will never get back is his son, and I think you can hear that pain in his voice, no matter how "tough" he wants to look in front of the camera.
I wish you nothing but the best, Burkie. I rather enjoyed your style and I think we will miss you more than we care to admit right now.
