Brian Burke issues statement after being fired by Penguins

The Pittsburgh Penguins decided to go full scorched earth mode earlier this morning, parting ways with general manager Ron Hextall, assistant general manager Chris Pryor, and president of hockey operations Brian Burke after the franchise missed the postseason for the first time since 2006. 

Burke himself took to social media shortly after the decision was announced to offer his thoughts, and he kept it classy by expressing his gratitude for being able to work with the Penguins organization as well as wishing them the best in the future.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked in this passionate sports town," he said. "Thank you to FSG, Mario Lemieux, David Morehouse, management and coaches, and especially to our great group of players. Best of luck to the Penguins and their incredible fan base in the future."

Burke was named president of hockey operations for the Penguins in February of 2021 after the resignation of Jim Rutherford. 

"But you get to work for the Pittsburgh Penguins, man. You're talking, this is Cadillac class here. This is not your run-of-the-mill team. This is not your run-of-the-mill ownership," he said upon his hire. "I'm so excited to move to Pittsburgh. It's one of the great sports towns on the planet. It's the best sports town in America, for me."