Flames hire Brian Burke as director of hockey operations
The Calgary Flames named Brian Burke director of hockey operations. (Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images)
The Calgary Flames introduced Brian Burke as the team's new director of hockey operations on Thursday.
Bruce Dowbiggin of The Globe and Mailreported the expected move on Wednesday.
Burke, who won the 2007 Stanley Cup as general manager of the Ducks and was serving as a part-time Anaheim scout, will oversee Flames GM Jay Feaster.
Feaster has come under fire for the Flames missing the last four postseasons. In March, he drew criticism for his failure to understand an element of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement when making Ryan O'Reilly a restricted free-agent offer. If Colorado had accepted compensation for O'Reilly -- instead of re-signing him -- Calgary could have lost a first- and third-round draft pick while also losing O'Reilly to waivers in the process.
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Burke said in a Thursday press conference that Feaster is the team's general manager and the two will attempt to reach a consensus regarding any roster or player decisions, but felt the need to reiterate the point.
From the Toronto Star:
“I know people think I need to be driving the bus all the time,” he said today at his introductory press conference in Calgary. “I’m actually a pretty good teammate.”
If both guys are determined to make it work, it’s works beautifully,” argued Burke, while acknowledging few NHL teams use this operational model.
“This is new for both of us.”
“I’m not the GM of the Calgary Flames. Jay Feaster is,” said Burke. “Both committed to winning. I think I can provide some help.
“I intend to have a background role. People will believe it when they see it.”
“He is going to be in charge, but with my guidance.”
