Brian Burke today cleared up his immediate future with the Ducks by agreeing to remain with the team as executive vice president and general manager through next season while negotiations continue on a contract extension.

The move by Burke to serve out the final year of his four-year contract was designed to end rumors that he is in line to become the general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, who were believed to have him atop their list of candidates.

“I work for the best owners in sports,” Burke said in a statement today.

After meeting this morning with Michael Schulman, the Ducks’ chief executive, Burke said, “We’ve decided to end all unnecessary media speculation and commit to working together for at least one more year while continuing to discuss my long-term future with the Ducks.”

Burke on Tuesday left the door open for a possible job change when he said he didn’t know whether he would be with the Ducks when training camp arrives in September.

The Ducks moved quickly this morning to keep Burke, 52. The Maple Leafs were expected to ask for permission to speak to him.

“Brian Burke is the best general manager in the NHL and we always expected him to return,” Ducks owner Henry Samueli said in a statement. “Our goal is to sign him to a long-term agreement beyond next season.”

The Ducks have gone to the playoffs in each of Burke’s three seasons as general manager, winning the Stanley Cup in 2007. They were eliminated in the first round Sunday by the Dallas Stars in six games.

eric.stephens@latimes.com