[Red John]

Little late joining the party, but want to chime in regarding "meddling".

It's obvious the new GM is going to be that in title only - he'll handle the day to day operations but make no mistake this will be Burke's team and he'll be driving the bus.

It's a risky hierarchy that hasn't worked for most teams but it can work provided the right people are doing the meddling.

It's almost never mentioned but look at the Chicago Blackhawks. Stan Bowman may be GM but its public that all decisions are made as a team between himself, Scotty Bowman, and John McDonagh (who in fact fired Dale Tallon because Tallon didn't involve him enough - he just waited for Tallon to make a mistake he could scapegoat him over).

So far that model has worked well for the Hawks. Pretty much every signing/trade they've made has worked out for them.

Having watched the presser it's obvious Burke is only not becoming GM himself because he promised ownership that wasn't his intention when he was first hired and wants to stick to his word. Make no mistake he has no desire to be a figurehead in an office as an "advisor"...he wants to run a team.

Burke also alluded to the fact that there may be another GM hire in a few years again (regarding Conroy). It looks like he may want to start a hire and promote-from-within type cycle. Not sure what his plans would be for the outgoing GM at that point - create another position?

Just some food for thought. Bottom line - this complicated structure has a better chance at working when the guy at the top is competent.