“We are happy to welcome Brian back to the organization,” said Ducks Executive Vice President/General Manager Bob Murray. “Anytime you can add a person of his quality to your staff, it makes your organization better. We’ve had success working together before and look forward to doing it again.”

Burke returns to the Ducks after originally serving as Executive Vice President/General Manager from 2005-08. Over his three-plus seasons with the organization, the Ducks captured their first Stanley Cup (2007), first Pacific Division title (2007) and first two 100+ point seasons (2006-07 & 2007-08). The Ducks also qualified for the postseason in all three seasons, winning six of eight playoff series over that span.

On Nov. 29, 2008, Burke was named President and General Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, becoming the 13th General Manager in team history. He recently assumed a role as Senior Advisor to the Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment Enterprise Board of Governors.

Burke was on the U.S. National Team Advisory Committee that was charged with leading the selection of players for the U.S. Men’s National Team that competed at the 2011 World Championships in Slovakia. In addition, Burke served as General Manager of the 2010 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team, which won a silver medal at the Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver. On Apr. 7, 2008, he was recognized for his outstanding service to hockey in the United States when he was named the recipient of the 2008 Lester Patrick Award.

Burke met with the media prior to Anaheim's Feb. 24 game against the Colorado Avalanche. Below are some excerpts:

On the decision to return to Anaheim: “I’ve worked with Murph before, and I’ve worked with the Samuelis before and we had some success. I was anxious to get back with a team and I’m going to do everything I can to help Murph and help the Ducks. The Leafs were very cooperative with this. They’ve been great about it. Now it’s my job to help Murph any way I can.”

On his job duties: “Whatever Murph says. Right now I’m going to try and get more familiar with this team, watch the ducks a bunch this week and next week in Phoenix and then go see the farm team play on the weekend to get more familiar with what we have.”

On returning to Anaheim: “It’s nice. It’s a familiar feeling to watch back into the building. I have a lot of respect for Bob Murray. I do. I think he’s a real good hockey guy and we’ve worked together. We’ve worked in Vancouver and then worked here. I think he’s an excellent GM. I hope that my experience can help in some points and it’s nice to be back.”