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he said to tsn - or cbc, not sure - that he had received a very generous offer from the Samuelis to extend his contract, but that he was yet to sign it because of "other factors, and that is all I am going to say about that." which is where the guy asking the question left it. He apparently hasn't spoken to anyone from the Leafs to this point though.

They did announce the Ron Wilson is to be in Toronto today to try to hammer a contract to coach the leafs. So if they hire Wilson and find a way to get Burke, they will have hired two guys away from two california rivals. I imagine they'll be able to work together, but they'll have to widen the doorways at the ACC to fit these guys' heads through em!

This has "explosion" written all over it.

"I imagine they'll be able to work together, but they'll have to widen the doorways at the ACC to fit these guys' heads through em!"

Haha, so true. If Ronnie signs a deal today, and it's more than a 1yr deal, I think anybody can read between the lines and see that MLSE has found their new GM. I really don't think they'd be foolish enough to sign a coach before their GM, or at least without the blessing of the incoming yet-to-be-named GM. Furthermore, I really don't think Wilson would sign anything but a 3 yr deal, he's a good enough coach where he wouldn't want to be a lame duck without a boss next season.

This reeks of Burkiness...and like goC said, that little "other factors" comment that he made to both CBC and TSN perked me ears up quite a bit. He's such a shifty character (former Lawyer too) it wouldn't surprise me at all if he had something up his sleeve.

This has "explosion" written all over it.

Peter Goezinya | 06/03/08, 08:34 AM

This does seem like it could get quite messy. Good thing people in Anaheim couldn't give two **** if Burke leaves.

The Leafs have no choice here. You can start the season with an "interm" gm but you really cant get going without a coach.Sorry Baun....but this chit just makes me laugh.The Leaf brass just dig deeper and deeper.And btw....my opinion after what Sundin said is that hes going to play again....somewhere else. Just my 2 cents.

The Leafs will all wake up, climb out of their hole, see their shadows and Toronto will have 6 more years of bad hockey no matter who is their GM.

"I imagine they'll be able to work together, but they'll have to widen the doorways at the ACC to fit these guys' heads through em!"
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When the built the ACC...They actually constructed the doors extra wide just to accomodate the MLSE board members. So I don't think further "expansion" should be required.

I saw the Burke interview too. Something is certainly up when Burke says that the offer he received from the Ducks was VERY GENEROUS yet "other factors" have kept him from signing the deal.

I noticed during the GM meetings at the game that Cliff & Burke were sitting pretty close to each other...Probably just talking about Euro & North American hockey styles I'm sure...

Peter...what would Toronto be, if not controversial?

Tell us more bostongm!

I think the other factors are his wife who works for CBC, not NBC.

Hmmmm, just read that Burke and Wilson played Hockey together at Providence, worked together in Vancouver..and apparently have a very close relationship.

Burkey's also Wilsons' daughter's godfather.

So, yah, me smells something fishy.

For everyone's info - Burke and Wilson are good friends...

Burke has his hands on this hiring, trust me. If he is coming (which is the worst-kept secret in hockey) I am sure he recommended they hire his pal Wilson so he can have his man in place already...

Sorry Leaf haters one and all.... this coaching change just confirms more than ever that Burke is coming, now or next year.

Hmmmm, just read that Burke and Wilson played Hockey together at Providence, worked together in Vancouver..and apparently have a very close relationship.

Burkey's also Wilsons' daughter's godfather.
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I've said it once & I will say it again. Bentley truly is Melvil Dewey reincarnate.