Burke out - Good or Bad?

[Guy Boucher]

I don't think much changes.

Burke had turned into more of a figurehead than anything else. Nonis did most of the legwork in the actual hockey moves.

I'm a little worried that we might lose some of the tendency for "big" moves.....though even then Nonis has shown the ability to make the big moves himself with the luongo trade, and Burke hadn't made any big moves since the phaneuf trade.

I'm pretty sure we'll see less stubborness from the front office.....less time wasted putting up with poor performances from players or coaches.

The first thing Nonis mentioned in the press conference was Burke's rapport with the players.

A lot of players loved Burke and getting guys to sign/re-sign, especially the Kessels, Phanuefs, and having a shot at Perry (who loves Burke) is going to be the single major issue for management.

 

[ACC1224]

The first thing Nonis mentioned in the press conference was Burke's rapport with the players.

A lot of players loved Burke and getting guys to sign/re-sign, especially the Kessels, Phanuefs, and having a shot at Perry (who loves Burke) is going to be the single major issue for management.

Absolutely. No question the Players love this guy, how could you not?

 

[Guy Boucher]

The first thing Nonis mentioned in the press conference was Burke's rapport with the players.

A lot of players loved Burke and getting guys to sign/re-sign, especially the Kessels, Phanuefs, and having a shot at Perry (who loves Burke) is going to be the single major issue for management.

Forgot to add, most of Burke's input on the CBA was designed to drive free agency which has been very empty the past few years. It seemed clear to me that he intended to then fill gaps through FA since teams can't keep all their players any more.

Can Nonis sell as well as Burke?

 

[zeke]

The first thing Nonis mentioned in the press conference was Burke's rapport with the players.

A lot of players loved Burke and getting guys to sign/re-sign, especially the Kessels, Phanuefs, and having a shot at Perry (who loves Burke) is going to be the single major issue for management.

maybe, but Burke hasn't exactly been great at getting good players to sign or re-sign with the leafs anyways.

 

[achtungbaby]

... so, again, how is that different from the past three and a half seasons?

Nonis is saying he's going to be patient and doesn't have the stated goal of making the playoffs as the be all and end all of it. Perhaps you're right though, that mission statement mostly looks the same. The only difference we'll see is if Nonis actually does build from the net, get bigger down the middle and take a patient approach to building. If he doesn't, he's the next guy we fire.

This season should be interesting.

 

[achtungbaby]

Really? They all had a group of 5 players with NTC, NMC's that refused to waive them? They had a previous GM that was nothing but a puppet for their owners with a mandate to make the playoffs no matter the cost? They all had little to no prospects from previous managements that traded all their assets away for immediate help? They all had a team void of any real talent in order to kick start the rebuilding process. All of those teams had all of those problems and solved them in 3 1/2 years and have gone on to be perrenial cup contenders? My apologies, I guess it's a piece of cake and every GM should be able to do it.

I forgot that Toronto is the only team in the NHL that has problems to deal with season after season. It's so much harder for the Leafs then the other 29 clubs in the league despite being the richest team.

 

[Guy Boucher]

maybe, but Burke hasn't exactly been great at getting good players to sign or re-sign with the leafs anyways.

It's difficult to judge him on FA acquisitions when every year there is only one or two guys worth signing. It doesn't matter who you are, it's a very tough sell when your team isn't winning and 29 other teams have made offers. It becomes a chicken vs. egg thing.

With more options in free agency, then you could see salesmanship have an impact however.

 

[mcleex]

Why hasn't Burke said anything yet?

Any idea why Burke hasn't said anything, been interviewed by anyone or even issued out some kind of thank you letter?

Maybe he can provide some more insight on things we are yearning to know

 

[ULF_55]

I'm mostly indifferent about Burke being fired.

When he came in, Fletcher had stripped the team bare and without much in terms of young assets to show for it except for one Luke Schenn. This was the beginning of the process.

Kulemin, Gunnarsson, Reimer, Stalberg, Stralman, White, Stajan, Wellwood, Mitchell, Harrison, Tlusty, Holzer, Komarov, ...

What did you expect when you're drafting outside the top 5, unlike Burke?

 

[ACC1224]

I imagine he had to sign some type of confidentiality document or he wouldn't receive the rest of his money.

 

[MajorityRules*]

I forgot that Toronto is the only team in the NHL that has problems to deal with season after season. It's so much harder for the Leafs then the other 29 clubs in the league despite being the richest team.

Well then, go ahead and answer the question. If things weren't as bad as you think, you should have no problem coming up with some teams and I expect you to at least point out their major issues. Take your time.

 

[indigobuffalo]

He said the other day he was speechless...

 

[LeafsTFC]

I imagine he had to sign some type of confidentiality document or he wouldn't receive the rest of his money.

This. MLSE isn't stupid (at least when it comes to running a profitable business).

 

[zeke]

It's difficult to judge him on FA acquisitions when every year there is only one or two guys worth signing. It doesn't matter who you are, it's a very tough sell when your team isn't winning and 29 other teams have made offers. It becomes a chicken vs. egg thing.

With more options in free agency, then you could see salesmanship have an impact however.

There have actually been a TON of good free agents for Burke to sign over the last 4 years, and he hasn't been able to sign any of them.

And as for re-signing players, he hasn't exactly been able to convince players to take hometown discounts, either.

 

[HEAVY DUTY]

its only been a day since he's been fired. give him a week or two to face the media.

also, ron wilson hasn't faced the media since he was fired, but i doubt burke would follow in his foot steps.

 

[ACC1224]

its only been a day since he's been fired. give him a week or two to face the media.

also, ron wilson hasn't faced the media since he was fired, but i doubt burke would follow in his foot steps.

Most likely signed the same paper.

 

[kilgro]

I liked what Quinn had to say on TSN radio

 

[achtungbaby]

Bullies are usually quiet when they are put in their place, just look how much we hear from rotten Ronny these days. To be serious, he probably can't say much as long as he wants to continue getting a paycheck from MLSE.

 

[Suntouchable13]

Paul Maurice had a whole press conference after he was fired. Why didn't they keep him quiet?

 

[achtungbaby]

Paul Maurice had a whole press conference after he was fired. Why didn't they keep him quiet?

Good point.

 

[bluebarry]

Paul Maurice had a whole press conference after he was fired. Why didn't they keep him quiet?

wasn't worth retaining his rights over it.

 

[Mess]

Any idea why Burke hasn't said anything, been interviewed by anyone or even issued out some kind of thank you letter?

Maybe he can provide some more insight on things we are yearning to know

Management contracts are guaranteed and as a result his firing as GM and President only changes his role, but not his employer. He is still being paid by MLSE and as such has been retained as a (silent) adviser to the board, which in effect silences him from speaking out against the organization and commenting on the situation.

Burke gets paid $3 mil a season and has 1 1/2 years balance remaining on his current contract so that $4.5 mil dollars hanging on what says or does from here on out. His management contract like all major ones has confidentiality clause and conflict of interest terms (insubordination) and that prevents Burke from speaking openly and honestly on this situation and the reasons behind his firing and what went on behind closed doors internally.

He has been asked to comment but has declined to do so and much of that is coming down from above as direction as his speech is likely being prepared, as being directed. In time we should all expect a standard boiler plate response and comment from him, but don't expect any dirty laundry comments directed towards MLSE as it will cost Burke a lot of $$$ to do so..

 

[ACC1224]

Paul Maurice had a whole press conference after he was fired. Why didn't they keep him quiet?

Most likely different terms of release.

 

[jmart21]

Dreger hinted yesterday that Burke was still very upset and speechless regarding the firing. He's not ready...in time it'll happen.

 

[achtungbaby]

Management contracts are guaranteed and as a result his firing and GM and President only changes his role, but not his employer.

He is still being paid by MLSE and as such has been retained as a (silent) adviser to the board, which in effect silences him from speaking out against the organization and commenting on the situation.

Burke gets paid $3 mil a season and has 1 1/2 years balance remaining on his current contract so that $4.5 mil dollars hinging on what says or does from here on out. His management contract like all major ones has confidentiality clause and conflict of interest terms (insubordination) and that prevents Burke from speaking openly and honestly on this situation and the reasons behind his firing and what went on.

He has been asked to comment but has declined to do so and much of that is coming down from above as direction as his speech is likely being prepared, as being directed. In time we should all expect a standard boiler plate response and comment from him, but don't expect any dirty laundry comments directed towards MLSE as it will cost Burke a lot of $$$ to do so..

Makes sense, thanks Mess.