On Monday, the Hockey Hall of Fame announced the Class of 2026. Among the people inducted into the builder’s category this year is former Toronto Maple Leafs President and General Manager Brian Burke. The induction ceremony is scheduled to take place in Toronto this November.

Burke spent nearly five years in Toronto’s front office after he was named the team’s new president and GM in 2008. He was fired from the position in 2013, after the Maple Leafs failed to make the postseason during his tenure.

His storied career also includes stints as GM of the Vancouver Canucks and Anaheim Ducks, then later president of hockey operations for the Calgary Flames and Pittsburgh Penguins. During his time with Calgary, Burke oversaw the hiring of Brad Treliving as GM. Treliving would later serve as GM in Toronto. Burke also served as GM for the United States at the 2010 Winter Olympics, with the group earning a silver medal. In 2023, Burke was named Executive Director of the Professional Women’s Hockey League Players Association for the league’s inaugural season. He served in the position until early 2025.

Later in his career, Burke spent time in media, including as part of Sportsnet’s broadcast team. He has also made a number of appearances as a featured guest on The Leafs Nation’s Leafs Morning Take with Nick Alberga and Jay Rosehill.

Also included in this year’s Hall of Fame class are five players: Carey Price, Patrice Bergeron, Pekka Rinne, Keith Tkachuk, and Cindy Curley. Former Maple Leafs forward Phil Kessel was named a candidate this year in his first year of eligibility, but was ultimately not voted into the 2026 class. Kessel was acquired by Burke while he was GM in Toronto in 2009 and spent six season with the team. The American forward is 25th all-time in points amongst Leafs skaters, with 394 tallied through 446 games played in the blue and white sweater.

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