brian burke rumours

Note the Canadian spelling of "rumours" above. It could be an important distinction in this post, perhaps.

Brian Burke, recently of the Anaheim Ducks, has left his management position to seek other pastures. From media reports, those pastures are either coloured with the Blue-and-White of the Toronto Maple Leafs, or the Black, White and Gold of the Boston Bruins. From reports I've seen, the position that Burke would be slotted into with the Bruins would be that of President - above GM, but below whatever personal advisers the Jacobs family rely on for macro-decisions.

Burke has assets going for him: he's very bright, he's outspoken and opinionated (which often works well in a hockey marketing context), he's a lawyer (helpful with contract negotiations), he has a Cup ring with the Ducks, and he is American, which is a welcomed characteristic for most US-based hockey fans (and one I can totally understand - how many Canadian basketball fans changed allegiances with Steve Nash's trade?).

However, Burke's sudden availability is, to me, a moot point. While the Bruins were very interested in Burke's services a few seasons ago when the club was consistently missing the playoffs (74 and 76 points in 2005 thru 2007) and prone to questionable player moves (anyone from Zhamnov to Grosek, not to mention the Thornton trade), they seem to have righted the ship. Or, at the very least, be on track to improve their lot.

The additions of Don Sweeney and Cam Neely to the management core, as well as vastly improved General Management and Coaching duties through Chiarelli and Julien, respectively, have brought Bruins fans a more competitive, more engaging, and ultimately, more entertaining club than we've had in years.

Burke inherited a Ducks club rich in assets that were brought in by Bryan Murray. Though, to his credit, Burke won the Cup.

However, my years living in British Columbia and watching the Vancouver Canucks rattle around through jersey changes, lineup gaffs, and an endless roster of goalies - many of whom who would go on to be Number One keeper elsewhere - leads me to be very wary of Burke's influence on a team...especially one so dear to my heart, in the process of rebuilding and strengthening.

In short, I don't feel we need Burke, even though he's available. His skills are perfect for a club careening recklessly into the guardrails, who need a strong hand to push them in the right direction. This would be the Bruins from a few seasons ago. The current Bruins team now has leadership throughout their management team, and, to their credit, throughout their on-ice lineup, as well.

Bruins fans, I beseech you: Let Burke go to Toronto - I promise you it is for the best, if only for more Burke-versus-Strachan or Burke-versus-Lowe hyjinx.