TORONTO (AP) — Brian Burke took over as president and general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday.
"You're talking about the Vatican if you're Catholic; you're talking the center of the hockey universe; you're talking about one of the most important jobs in hockey running the Toronto Maple Leafs," Burke said at a news conference. "It's a dream job."
He got a six-year deal, worth a reported $3 million annually, to replace interim GM Cliff Fletcher after John Ferguson was fired in January.
Burke spent the past three-plus seasons managing the Anaheim Ducks, leading them to a Stanley Cup title in 2007. He stepped down from the post Nov. 13 after declining to sign a contract extension that would take him beyond this season.
During previous management stops in Hartford, Vancouver and Anaheim, the 53-year-old has been unafraid to make bold moves, though he has no plans to make any immediately.