When you're making $81m a year, win or lose, and are worth over $1b when the average of the other 29 team are worth 1/4 of that, there's a justification for calling it Crown Jewel in that regard.
Deleted a few posts. Unless you/we get some clarification from a reliable source let's please not post rumours from friends or buddies at work or hockey that aren't hockey related. Thanks.
You deleted my post. This article can best support me.
Between that article and just listening Burke blast the reporter for asking about these personal issues, I'll go with the likely idea that Burke was fired for hockey related reasons.
Hate to say it but the Oilers could use Burke's services more than anybody else right now. Just can Lowe and Tamby and have Burke roll in with a smug look on his face. No better way to get back at Lowe than to take his job from him.
Its very rare that we get to see a really candid press conference. Burke was clearly pissed, and this saga isnt over yet.
You could tell in his voice and body language how he was unhappy that, while they agreed to keep him on as a 'senior advisor' they then instantly pull the rug out from under his feet, AGAIN, by saying that hes an advisor to the board only and is not to be involved in hockey operations in any way.
We all know damned well that if that had been the original arrangment he'd never have accepted that. Primarily because the reason we all feel he lost his job is because he and the new board basically hate each other. They're not going to take advice from him and hes not going to want to advise them.
That and the fact that Burke is first and foremost a hockey guy, and a business guy second.
I thought the most telling quote was after his vulture analogy (paraphrasing):
"This whole situation was like being hit upside the head with a 2x4."
__________________ The Beatings Shall Continue Until Morale Improves!
This Post Has Been Distilled for the Eradication of Seemingly Incurable Sadness.
The World Ends when you're dead. Until then, you've got more punishment in store. - Flames Fans
If you thought this season would have a happy ending, you haven't been paying attention.
You could tell in his voice and body language how he was unhappy that, while they agreed to keep him on as a 'senior advisor' they then instantly pull the rug out from under his feet, AGAIN, by saying that hes an advisor to the board only and is not to be involved in hockey operations in any way.
It happens a lot when a GM is fired that they give them a token "advisor" title. IIRC, we even did it with Sutter.
They are still technically on the payroll.
__________________
"A pessimist thinks things can't get any worse. An optimist knows they can."
It's probably way too much to hope that Burke never gets hired by another NHL club and quietly fades off into oblivion. Even if he never works in the NHL again, I'm sure TSN will hire him as an analyst or something. I'm just so not interested in hearing Burke's thoughts or opinions on hockey or the NHL anymore.
