The Detroit News’s Mark Falkner spoke with former Anaheim Ducks, Vancouver Canucks and Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke regarding his autobiography, Burke’s Law: A Life in Hockey, and Burke praised Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman:
Young Hockeytown fans in Detroit may not have heard of the 1980s television series “MacGyver,” but former National Hockey League general manager Brian Burke knows about actor Richard Dean Anderson’s troubleshooting ways.
While on his book tour last week to promote “Burke’s Law: A Life in Hockey,” the 65-year-old Burke said Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman is fast becoming the NHL’s Mr. Fix-It after a last-place 17-49-5 season.
“He’s MacGyver,” Burke said of Yzerman, who signed free-agent forwards Bobby Ryan and Vladislav Namestnikov, defensemen Jon Merrill and Troy Stecher and goalie Thomas Greiss last week. The week before, he acquired defenseman Marc Staal and a 2021 second-round draft pick for future considerations.
“He’s overhauled that team completely all on short-term deals,” Burke continued. “No headlines, just solid signings. Bobby Ryan, who I drafted. Jon Merrill, who we tried to draft but he hit the gap on us. Stecher is a really good right-shot defenseman. Bringing back (Sam) Gagner, Namestnikov who I love. Greiss, Staal. In my mind, they are dramatically better than a year ago. It’s sheer genius.”
