Other than the Kessel trade and his ability to talk too much in the media, he really isn't a bad GM. He wins trades and loses trades. You can debate the Kessel trade forever, but they made that trade thinking those first round picks would be in the 20-30 range, which would make it a steal for the Leafs.
Also Burke isn't afraid to cash in at the trade deadline, call it a lost season, and dump off FA's and vets.
Look at some of his trades in the last few years:
2009
Stempniak for Steen and Colaiacovo
2nd for Antropov
2nd for Dominic Moore
signed Bozak out of college
2009-10
Primeau + 2nd for Stralman, Stuart, 7th
Kessel trade
Phaneuf trade
Giguere for Toskala, Blake
2010-11
2nd for Jimmy Hayes
Lupul, Gardiner, 4th for Beauchemin
1st, 3rd for Versteeg
1st, 2nd, Colbourne for Kaberle
signed Schrivens out of college
2011-12
JVR for Schenn
He certainly isn't afraid to make moves. I doubt he comes here though because ownership wouldn't give him 100% control.
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