Ducks Continue Pursuit of GM

The new ownership of the Mighty Ducks will meet with finalists for the general manager position this weekend, sources familiar with the team said.

Neil Smith, former New York Ranger general manager; Brian Burke, former Vancouver Canuck general manager, and Al Coates, the Ducks’ interim general manager, were scheduled to meet with Henry and Susan Samueli, sources said. The Samuelis have agreed to buy the team from the Walt Disney Co.; the NHL approval of the deal has been delayed because of continuing labor negotiations.

A fourth candidate, possibly former Chicago general manager Mike Smith, may also be interviewed, a league source said.

Dean Lombardi, former San Jose general manager, and Kevin Gilmore, the Kings’ assistant general manager, are no longer under consideration.

-- Chris Foster