Maple Leafs hope Burke is the man to end Cup drought

By Steve Keating

TORONTO (Reuters) - Brian Burke was introduced as the new president and general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday, promising to restore the team to past glory.

The signing ends the Maple Leafs' year-long pursuit of the tough-talking executive, raising new hope in the Leaf Nation that the NHL's most valuable franchise had finally found the man to end a 41-year Stanley Cup drought.

Burke's deal is for six years and media reports said it was worth $18 million to the Harvard law graduate.

"A year ago the Toronto Maple Leafs began their search for their 13th general manager," Richard Peddie, the president and chief executive officer of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment told a packed news conference.

"At the time we established some very clear criteria to select the right individual for the job.

"We wanted a long-term builder on and off the ice with an established track record of success.

"An experienced hockey executive who has extensive knowledge in identifying talent at all levels.

"A person who works effectively with media and is comfortable with the intense scrutiny that characterizes the Canadian hockey market.

"And, importantly, a winner."

TOP EXECUTIVE

Abrasive and outspoken, Burke is recognized as one of the NHL's top executives.

He joined Anaheim in 2005 and quickly built the Ducks into Stanley Cup champions in 2007.

Burke, who will also act as general manager of the U.S. national team for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, stepped down as general manager of the Ducks two weeks ago clearing the way for his move to Toronto.

While the Maple Leafs have been rated the NHL's most valuable and profitable franchise by Forbes magazine, the team has been unable to match that success on the ice having not hoisted the Stanley Cup since 1967.

"I've said this before, you're talking about the Vatican if you're Catholic, you're talking about the center of the hockey universe, you're talking about one of the most important jobs in hockey on the planet," said Burke.