Are we even still looking for someone? I know it's not the same role but i kindof assumed this search ended with Little and then again with Leblanc.
I have the same question. I’d assume the search is over until further notice despite the fact that it would still be wise to add someone in that role.
Burke has found his calling as a media personality. Other than 07 which is questionable due to Murray's fingerprints all over the team, Burke is a mediocre hockey guy. His tenure in Toronto is a prime example.
Burke is a media guy now and I am pleasantly surprised how good he is in this role!
I tend to agree that Burke seems to have found his retirement gig on Sportsnet, but I certainly think he would be a good hire.
His most relevant experience to what he could do in Ottawa is actually what he did in Vancouver. When he was hired in 1998, attendance was dropping sharply and the team needed a rebuild.
He identified the players he thought would accelerate the rebuild and pulled the trigger on moves to bring in the Sedin twins. He traded a malcontent Bure for Jovanovski. He also drafted Kesler and Bieksa and traded for Salo, all of which helped set up Vancouver to have solid teams for 15 years. He’s also the one who traded up in Hartford to draft Pronger.
More importantly than all that he rebuilt the fan base and increased ticket sales in Vancouver.
https://www.hockeydb.com/nhl-attendance/att_graph.php?tmi=8756
There are a few interviews out there where he explains pounding the pavement, being all over the city convincing people to buy back in. It’s pretty impressive stuff and exactly what we need in Ottawa.
He’s also one of the few who has the clout required to contain Melnyk like Bryan Murray did. Burke has in fact mentioned having discussed with Murray about that side of his job and said he was impressed with how Murray handled it.
In terms of personality, he’s certainly brash, probably over the top in that sense, but it’s probably something Dorion could benefit from in an advisor.
I would worry a little that he’s outdated, but at least you’d still have PD as GM.
I doubt he’d want the job but if so, I think he could certainly contribute to improving things.
