Burke set to take over Maple Leafs as president, general manager

"I know Brian a lot better than anyone else probably except for his wives to be honest with you," Wilson said. "(We) go back 35 years. I know that's how Brian is -- very open to discussion, and that's what I'm looking forward to."

After three seasons and a Stanley Cup win in Anaheim, Burke stepped down from his job two weeks ago. He cited a desire to be closer to the four children from his first marriage. They all live on the East Coast.

"On behalf of the entire Anaheim Ducks family, we would once again like to thank Brian for his tremendous contributions over the last three-plus seasons," Anaheim CEO Michael Schulman said in a statement. "Brian stated on many occasions his desire to be closer to his family, which we support.

"We congratulate and wish him the best of luck with the Maple Leafs."

Ducks coach Randy Carlyle joked when asked about Burke.

"Brian who?" Carlyle said, playfully.

"Obviously that's good for Brian," Carlyle said. "That's what he chose and what he was looking forward to when he became a free agent. We thank him for the commitment to our organization. From a personal standpoint, I owe him a lot."