Ducks to Hire Burke as GM

Brian Burke, vocal and opinionated, will be hired as the Mighty Ducks’ general manager, a source familiar with the negotiations said.

Burke, who spent five seasons as the Vancouver Canucks’ general manager, will receive a five-year contract at more than $1 million per year, the source said. His hiring is expected to be announced at a June 20 news conference, which will also be used to introduce Henry and Susan Samueli as the team’s new owners.

The Samuelis have agreed to purchase the team from the Walt Disney Co. for $75 million. The NHL’s approval of the new owners probably will come Wednesday.

Burke will take over a team seeking stability. He will be the Ducks’ fourth general manager since the 2001-02 season. His high-profile style is what the Ducks wanted; the Samuelis would prefer to be in the background.

Burke has rarely shied from comment, even on controversial subjects.

He defended Canuck Todd Bertuzzi’s hitting Colorado’s Steve Moore from behind during the 2003-04 season. Moore was hospitalized because of three broken vertebrae, facial cuts and a concussion. Bertuzzi was suspended indefinitely and later pleaded guilty to assault.

One of Burke’s off-the-cuff comments may need to be explained to Duck center Sergei Fedorov. Burke had Fedor Fedorov as a player in Vancouver, and when Sergei Fedorov became a free agent in 2003, Burke was asked whether he would try to sign him.

“We already have a Fedorov,” Burke replied. “That’s one Fedorov too many.”

Sergei Fedorov has three seasons left on a five-year, $40-million contract.

In six seasons as general manager in Vancouver, Burke worked with a tight budget, yet the Canucks made the playoffs the last four years, making it past the first round only once. Burke’s contract was not renewed after the 2003-04 season.

Neil Smith, who as general manager led the New York Rangers to the Stanley Cup in 1994, was the other finalist for the Duck position. But Burke had the backing of NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, who lobbied the Samuelis, two league sources said.

Burke, who is a commentator for TheSports Network, a Canadian sports channel, is expected to overhaul the front office.

The contracts on all hockey operations personnel run out this month except for interim General Manager Al Coates, who has one year left and could remain with the team in another capacity. Coach Mike Babcock and his staff’s contracts are expiring.