TORONTO (AP) — The Toronto Maple Leafs have fired general manager Brian Burke, with the NHL season set to resume this month following a tentative settlement ending the lockout.
The Maple Leafs have not made the playoffs since Burke took the job in 2008. Maple Leafs Sports executive Tom Anselmi said at a news conference Wednesday that assistant David Nonis will succeed Burke. Burke will stay as a senior adviser.
Toronto last played in the postseason in 2004 and hasn’t won a Stanley Cup since 1967.
New corporate owners took over the Maple Leafs in August and Burke’s brash style might not have been a smooth fit. Before joining Toronto Burke spent three-plus seasons with the Anaheim Ducks, leading them to a Stanley Cup title in 2007.
