| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
George Zoran
Top Prospect
Canada
55 Posts |
 Posted - 05/12/2006 : 16:14:13
|
It was not long ago that Brian Burke was filling in as an analyst on The Sports Network (TSN). It did make sense – to have such a personality speaking his mind in front of millions of viewers. Burke has never shyed away from speaking his mind to the media and has had his fair share of famous one liners like when he told Trent Klatt of the Vancouver Canucks that if he could get more money in LA then he would drive him to the airport. Klatt did eventually get a higher offer from the Kings, but I don’t think Burke followed through on the ride.
From Hartford to the NHL front office, Brian Burke has been successful at every stop of his NHL career. His most recent feat saw him transform the Vancouver Canucks into a highly profitable and competitive franchise. When he arrived the team struggled in all areas. Ticket sales were low as few sought to pay to see a group of overpaid underachievers consistently miss the playoffs. This concerned ownership and there were talks that the team could be relocated. Sound familiar?
They had the same problem in So Cal and as soon as the new CBA was signed, Brian Burke was hired as the Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. Let’s take a look at some of the moves he has made during his short time in Anaheim:
• Signed Scott Niedermayer – best defenseman in hockey!
• Convinced Teemu Selanne to come back to Anaheim for $1 million – steal of the summer!
• Unloaded Sergei Fedorov’s salary in exchange for Tyler Wright and Francois Beauchemin – what was Colombus thinking?
• Traded Petr Sykora, problem drinker Sandis Ozolinsh and the aging Keith Carney
• Picked up Todd Marchant, Sean O’Donnell, and Jeff Freisen – proving their worth in the post season.
• Bringing aboard head coach Randy Carlyle.
• And many other behind the scenes moves
Sure he also inherited some great young talent in Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf, Joffrey Lupul, and Dustin Penner – not to mention the goaltending duo of JS Giguere and Ilya Bryzgalov. However, there is no denying the success the team has had and the bright future that awaits it. The Ducks now look forward to the winner of the Edmonton/ San Jose series, for which it will battle in the Western Conference final. For embracing the new NHL’s speed and style of play, Brian Burke should be recognized. For consistent success as an NHL General Manager, Brian Burke is a hockey genius.
****************************
****************************
Have an opinion on George's article? Let us know. Just hit reply below and post your thoughts. Anything goes...but keep it clean.
****************************
****************************
PickupHockey.com is your online hockey community. We're always looking for sharp volunteer writers. If you feel that you'd like to contribute articles on a regular basis drop us an email. admin@pickuphockey.com
|
|
|
slapshot
Rookie
USA
141 Posts |
Posted - 05/15/2006 : 09:29:40
|
| So who gets exec of the year? Burke, Lowe, or Wilson? I agree it has to be Burkie. Wilson was good but accepting the Thornton trade was a no brainer. Lowe deserves some credit and made some sweet deals by adding Pronger, Roloson, Peca, Spacek, and Samsonov. |
 |
|
| |
Topic |
|
|
|
Brian Burke, hockey genius 
Forum Locked
