The case for Sean Burke as next Edmonton Oilers GM

CEO Jeff Jackson did stress he didn't want to put a time-frame per se on announcing who the Edmonton Oilers' next general manager would be, but he did say on The Bob McCown Podcast that it was going to be in the next week to 10 days. Given that this appearance was on Tuesday, this means -- at least theoretically -- that confirmation is now expected within a week, i.e. next Friday.

Even as the deadline shrinks -- or maybe because of it -- scrutiny and speculation about who will get one of the most prestigious general manager jobs in the NHL today only intensifies. We've already looked at a number of potential options, including internal candidates Keith Gretzky and Brad Holland, as well as Mark Hunter and the controversial Stan Bowman.

Next, we turn our attention to Sean Burke, who is currently the director of goaltending and the NHL goaltending coach for the Vegas Golden Knights. As with Hunter, he has an advantage in having played in the NHL, meaning he's able to relate to and deal with today's players.

Selected 24th overall in the 1985 NHL entry draft, Burke went on to last 18 seasons at the highest level in North America, three times being named an All-Star. He played 820 regular season games and compiled a 324-341-110 record, while producing a .902 save percentage and 2.96 Goals Against Average.

Particular success as an international player

It's internationally where the 57-year-old really left his mark as a player, highlighted by two golds in the World Championships and his 130 games at various levels representing the most ever for a Team Canada goalie. He was named to the IIHF All-Time Canada Team in 2020, a remarkable achievement alongside Scott Niedermayer, Chris Pronger, Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux and Sidney Crosby.

Burke has put his extensive experience to good use since retiring from playing following the 2006-07 NHL season. His first roles came with the Phoenix Coyotes, as the director of prospect development and then, assistant to the general manager and goaltending coach.

The Windsor, Ontario native has also had NHL jobs with the Montreal Canadiens, as a professional scout, goaltending coach and director of goaltending. Of note during his time in Montreal, the Canadiens advanced to the Stanley Cup Final in 2021, albeit they ultimately lost to the Tampa Bay Lightening.

A Stanley Cup winner finally

However, it's in Vegas where Burke has really made his mark at the NHL coaching level. His crowing glory came in 2022-23, as the Golden Knights won their first Stanley Cup despite having to use five goaltenders throughout the season.

Burke has also continued to impress in his post-playing career at the international level with Canada, as part of various management teams in the IIHF World Championships. Of note, he helped lead Team Canada to back-to-back golds in 2015 and 2016.

Of particular relevance, the former New Jersey Devil was general manager for Team Canada at the Spengler Cup, between 2016 and 2019. They went on to take home gold in 2016, 2017 and 2019.

Importantly, Burke interviewed for the position of general manager with the Oilers the previous time it became available. However, the role went to Ken Holland on that occasion.

Burke has also interviewed to become general manager for the likes of the Coyotes, Florida Panthers and Vancouver Canucks, so he'll be hoping to be more successful this time around (assuming Jackson has granted him an interview of course). Given his bevvy of experience and success both on and off the ice, it's clear he will be an excellent pick if given the chance.

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