Show me proof.

He tried to get Tavares, and tries to get Nash, he's most likely tried to get Getzlaf.

He fired an American coach, hired a Canadian one, and a Canadian assistant.

Most of management is also Canadian.

(From another Hockey Forum)

Since he took over in November 2008, here are the FACTS:

59 Players Have Been Brought IN (some may not have played at all, i.e. Kolzig, but are included to see what kind of players he's bringing in)

Of those 59 players:

35 are Canadian
15 are American
9 are from other countries.

Of those 35 Canadians 9 are Ontario born (only 6 shy of the TOTAL US born players brought in)
- jbold

I don't know any other GM who would actually sign Tim Connolly and Mike Komisarek...2 pathetic players, but Burke would because they are his American homies

I don't know any other GM who would actually sign Tim Connolly and Mike Komisarek...2 pathetic players, but Burke would because they are his American homies
- keatondixon

Have proof that Burke only signed them because they were American?

Are you trying to tell me that no other GM tried signing those 2 players when they were free agents?

Have proof that Burke only signed them because they were American?

Are you trying to tell me that no other GM tried signing those 2 players when they were free agents?
- jbold

I really don't care that much to do some research to back up my argument. It's Mike Komisarek bro...he would be playing in a beer league if it weren't for Burke. But lets be real here, nobody knows what Burke thinks or is bias against...only he knows plain and simple

I don't know any other GM who would actually sign Tim Connolly and Mike Komisarek...2 pathetic players, but Burke would because they are his American homies
- keatondixon

I could literally cherry pick players like this for any NHL-major nationality and any general manager.

Hows your man crush?

The awkward moment when you realize Burke has more Canadians then Americans on this team.
- jbold

It was never about that if you read this was simply cherry stating that he doesn't have local talent on the team.

I don't know where your getting Americans vs Canadians from

I could literally cherry pick players like this for any NHL-major nationality and any general manager.
- Travis Yost

Of course you could but who cares...this whole thing is pointless ...maybe Burke doesn't like Ontario hockey players, maybe he loves them ...you don't know, I don't know and nobody knows. In the end, he will continue to be questioned on everything just because the Leafs are a failure. If he had a team full of Americans and was 1st place in the league this wouldn't even be a story.

I could literally cherry pick players like this for any NHL-major nationality and any general manager.
- Travis Yost

He's tried to sign Americans because he has pull with them because he ran the Olympic squad.

Of course you could but who cares...this whole thing is pointless ...maybe Burke doesn't like Ontario hockey players, maybe he loves them ...you don't know, I don't know and nobody knows. In the end, he will continue to be questioned on everything just because the Leafs are a failure. If he had a team full of Americans and was 1st place in the league this wouldn't even be a story.
- keatondixon

I don't think he hates Ontario players I just think he listens to his scouts.

He goes after american free agents because they respect his position with USA hockey and want to sign with him

That coach from the ilses is as good as gone Gordon I think his name is.

He's going to go hard after praise in the off season.

There is no way the leafs will get him because he wants to be on a winner.

He is better off giving Columbus what they want and getting Nash.

Offer kessel plus.

I'd much rather have Nash then kessel

burke doesn't know poop he relys on nonis and his scouts. He's more just a media driver

You look at Dallas and st.Louis and they are doing well.

I was a huge supporter of the leafs hiring Armstrong as g.m neuwendyk would have been another great g.m for the leafs.

With the ownership in place the leafs are going to suck for ever. Larry tanebaumb is an idiot.

Good piece MasWE. As you are aware, I have known both Burkie and Grapes for decades and I think you have stated the situation objectively and fairly. I don't believe that Burkie thinks for a minute he could (or should) "get Grapes fired" nor do I believe that he has ever really tried to. Grapes has never been a practitioner of subtlety in his commentary, and neither has Burkie for that matter. (You should have heard some of the things that Grapes used to say about Swedish goalie Hardy Astrom when he coached him with the Colorado Rockies.) Each man has a great passion for the game, however, and each very much wants the Leafs do well. Let's hope they both get their wish.

I haven't read an article this good in a while.

You say it as it is. Thank you!

Cheers!

burke doesn't know poop he relys on nonis and his scouts. He's more just a media driver
- duckyjets

He's a general manager, he puts together a the best team he can to make the team win from management down to the trainers and the fact that he can rely on Nonis and scouts to make key decisions makes him a good manager. That's the reason you have scouts and assistant GMs, scouts provide their expertise cause the GM can't watch every game in the league plus juniors and overseas leagues, and the assistant helps make the big decisions. There isn't a GM in the league who doesn't rely one those people and if there is one, I bet they aren't very good. Also, Burke is the first one to give credit to those people, all you ever hear is him giving credit to this scout or that scout, or Nonis, or even Bob Murray. If he doesn't "know poop" then at least he can see that and defers certain decisions to those who he thinks would handle it best, in "general" he "manages" the people he hires

For the Sens/Canucks trolls who will troll about this.

http://www.theglobeandmai...sm-of-nhl/article2358506/


Sounds like both teams are also fed up with Cherry.
- jbold

In fairness from a Vancouver perspective I think the main problems have been a lot more to do with Ron than Don.

I really don't care that much to do some research to back up my argument. It's Mike Komisarek bro...he would be playing in a beer league if it weren't for Burke. But lets be real here, nobody knows what Burke thinks or is bias against...only he knows plain and simple
- keatondixon

You mean the Komisarek of now, or the Komisarek who was a solid dman when he was signed?

Well, he's drafted 8 in his last 23 picks... Were there any UFAs that were willing to come in that he chose not to sign? How many Toronto kids did he remove from the team, that were difference makers?

The only UFA that wanted in that I can think of is Cammalleri, and Burke was going after Kessel at the time.
- Feeling Glucky?

cammalleri didint want to come to toronto because he said he spends all his summers here and he doesint want to spend his winters here too

And the best Toronto Maple Leaf by a country mile in the last 25 years



and in the top 5 in my opinion and gave his heart and soul every time he put on the jersey



Wonder which province they were both from......

You mean the Komisarek of now, or the Komisarek who was a solid dman when he was signed?
- jbold

That question was a tough one. I know I got it tho wonder if I was first.

Since I know I at least have it right and sent it in regardless if I am first here is the answer for the rest of you in case you were wondering what team actually listed their mascot.

Love how they put "Ass Man" too.. instead of "Asst. man" or "Ass mgr"

Hang on for just 1 second here!! If it were me and some IDIOT was trying to get me fired I would do the EXACT same thing!! I would call him out and make sure EVERYONE knew what he was doing in a snake like fashion Burke did! Cherry although a blow hard makes VALID points and is usually correct in his assumption or views! Hate him or not show him the respect he deserves! Burke has shown the world (AGAIN) how undermining and shallow he is!
- undisputed_8821

Burke didn't try to get ANYONE FIRED!!!
Jesus.
you guys believe anything.

Have proof that Burke only signed them because they were American?

Are you trying to tell me that no other GM tried signing those 2 players when they were free agents?
- jbold

I think he was the only GM interested in Connoly that much.

And the best Toronto Maple Leaf by a country mile in the last 25 years



and in the top 5 in my opinion and gave his heart and soul every time he put on the jersey



Wonder which province they were both from......
- Sheppy99

b4 burke no?

Before I say anything else, I want to say that these two men are probably my biggest idols in hockey as a Sport Management major.
- MasWE

Nice to see you have such low standards for idols.

Don Cherry is a piece of junk that has been outdated for about 20 years now. The old sack can't have a stroke soon enough.