Ex-Leafs GM Brian Burke has a new gig after being fired by the Penguins
After being fired by the Pittsburgh Penguins at the end of the season, reports previously indicated that former Leaf GM Brian Burke would be returning to broadcasting. Now however, according to The Hockey News, Burke will be stepping into a new role outside of the NHL. According to Ian Kennedy, Burke will take on a prominent role with the Professional Women's Hockey League Players' Association and it will be a multi-season term.
The former lawyer, turned GM, turned President of Hockey Ops, turned broadcaster, among other things, Burke will work alongside the PWHPA's board members that include Hilary Knight, Brianne Jenner, Sarah Nurse and Kendall Coyne-Schofield as they progress towards the first season of the new women's league which will begin in January. The PWHLPA ratified its first collective bargaining agreement in July and the experience of Burke will help guide them through any additional negotiations that arise as the construction of the new league continues.
The PWHLPA was formed on the heels of the PHF being purchased by the Mark Walter Group and Billie Jean King Enterprises to create a singular league moving forward. Burke's hiring could also be a precursor to getting the NHL to become more involved in the new league, which has long been asked of them. The NHL had be hesitant to get involved due to the multiple leagues in the past, but with the recent creation of one league, the door is wide open for the NHL to finally invest in growing the game.
