Burke Joins NHL Tonight on Wednesday, May 24, and Thursday, May 25; Eakins to Join NHL Tonight and NHL Now from Friday, May 26, to Monday, May 29
SECAUCUS, N.J. (May 23, 2023) – NHL Network™ today announced that Stanley Cup-winning executive Brian Burke and former Anaheim Ducks and Edmonton Oilers head coach Dallas Eakins will join as guest analysts for the remainder of the Stanley Cup® Playoffs.
Burke will make his debut Wednesday, May 24 on NHL Tonight™ live at 6:00 p.m. ET alongside host Erika Wachter and analyst Devan Dubnyk. Burke will also appear on NHL Tonight this Thursday, May 25 with Bill Pidto and Stu Grimson at 6:00 p.m. ET. Eakins will join Tony Luftman and Grimson for his NHL Tonight debut on Friday, May 26 live at 6:00 p.m. ET, before appearing on NHL Tonight at 11:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 27 and Sunday, May 28, and during segments of NHL Now on Monday, May 29 beginning at 5:00 p.m. ET. NHL Network’s NHL Now and NHL Tonight continues to provide wall-to-wall coverage before and after every Stanley Cup Playoff game.
“Our fans expect to hear from people who have the experience and knowledge to teach them about the game during hockey’s biggest moments,” said Josh Bernstein, NHL Network Vice President of Production. “Brian and Dallas fit those criteria perfectly, and will do nothing but enhance our content as we head towards the Stanley Cup Final. We’re thrilled to have them on board.”
Burke brings more than 30 years’ experience in the NHL to his new NHL Network role, most recently serving as the Pittsburgh Penguins president of hockey operations the last two years. As general manager, Burke’s Anaheim Ducks won the 2007 Stanley Cup against the Ottawa Senators in five games. A two-time Sporting News NHL Executive of the Year, Burke has served as the general manager for the Vancouver Canucks, Toronto Maple Leafs and Calgary Flames. Prior to joining team executive offices, Burke was the executive vice president and director of hockey operations at the NHL, serving as the league’s chief disciplinarian, after he served as the general manager of the Hartford Whalers and the director of hockey operations for the Canucks to begin his front office career.
Eakins joins as a guest analyst following his time as head coach of the Ducks (2019-2023) and Oilers (2013-2015), where he collected 136 career wins across six seasons and coached notable players Cam Fowler, Ryan Getzlaf, Troy Terry and Trevor Zegras. Prior to serving behind an NHL bench, Eakins was the head coach of the Toronto Marlies, representing the Western Conference in two AHL All-Star Games, after beginning his coaching career as the Marlies assistant coach. Eakins was drafted in the 10th round with the 208th overall pick by the Washington Capitals in 1985 NHL Entry Draft, eventually becoming the second Floridan to play in the NHL, the first to record a point, and the first player born in Florida to play for the Florida Panthers.
Burke and Eakins join analysts Bruce Boudreau, Brian Boyle, Sam Cosentino, Ken Daneyko, Devan Dubnyk, Tony Granato, Stu Grimson, Scott Hartnell, Thomas Hickey, E.J. Hradek, Billy Jaffe, Mike Johnson, Bill Lindsay, Mark Parrish, and Mike Rupp contributing to NHL Network’s coverage, alongside hosts Jamison Coyle, Jamie Hersch, Tony Luftman, Bill Pidto, Jackie Redmond, and Erika Wachter.
About NHL Network: As the TV home for the National Hockey League, NHL Network™ gives viewers an all-access pass to complete hockey coverage both on and off the ice, including live NHL games and special on-site coverage of NHL events, plus three signature studio shows, interviews, highlights and expert analysis from a variety of hockey insiders and former players. Additional programming includes behind-the-scenes features, player profiles and international and amateur hockey competitions. For more information on NHL Network, log on to nhlnetwork.com or follow @NHLNetwork on Twitter.
COURTESY NHLmedia.com
