At some point, it won't matter how big his contract is or who he's coaching at the Olympics in Vancouver.
Burke, in London, Ont., watching top draft pick Nazem Kadri on Friday night, is working on at least two trades. He will undoubtedly attempt to make roster moves first, preferring to make a coaching change the last resort.
Interestingly, Randy Carlyle has the Anaheim Ducks in last place in the West, and if he were to get canned there, Burke would have a bona fide option. Carlyle has worked for Burke with the Canucks and Ducks.
At the moment, there's Wayne Gretzky, who was severely disappointing after failing to strike a free agent deal as a player with the Leafs in 1996 and probably isn't done with coaching yet. It's suggested Gretzky has lost 20 pounds and is feeling great these days, but also noted that a job that takes him far away from his home in Thousand Oaks, Calif., might not be at the top of his wish list.
Interestingly, Gretzky shares Burke's philosophy on the need for toughness in the sport and enforcers on the ice. He learned a great deal from his experiences in Phoenix and, like the late Ron Lancaster of football fame, could be that rare superstar who struggles in his first coaching assignment then excels in his second attempt.
Certainly, you couldn't get a bigger name.
Craig MacTavish, Peter Laviolette and Mike Keenan are also out there, and Ted Nolan's name always comes up.
Burke won't like it that candidates are even being discussed. But that's the dark cloud that three wins in 20 games brings.
So whats he doing watching Kadri? Seeing if hes really worth holding onto or whether he would be more valuble bringing in a 31 year old impending UFA who can help push us out of the basement?
So whats he doing watching Kadri? Seeing if hes really worth holding onto or whether he would be more valuble bringing in a 31 year old impending UFA who can help push us out of the basement?
Yeah!! Why wasn't he at the Leafs game last night!!?!?!
So whats he doing watching Kadri? Seeing if hes really worth holding onto or whether he would be more valuble bringing in a 31 year old impending UFA who can help push us out of the basement?
Or you know, something crazy like seeing how his top prospect is doing.
i hate how Cox threw that out there: "Burke, in London, Ont., watching top draft pick Nazem Kadri on Friday night, is working on at least two trades. He will undoubtedly attempt to make roster moves first, preferring to make a coaching change the last resort.". hey damian, you never mentioned the connection so stop with the innuendos.
i just don't see STL giving up on Backes. JD loves him, and while he has not been scoring, that is the case for most of the Blues. While Backes still bring it for 18+ minutes a night on the physical play. and the Karyia - Oshie - Backes line was killer last game.
i won't deny that STL might make a deal to shake things up, but don't count on Backes.
