NHL roundup: Burke shocked by his firing

Former Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke was shocked when he learned Wednesday that he had been fired.

Burke was on his way to the airport to catch a flight to New York for an NHL Board of Governors meeting when he was called back to the team's offices.

"I was floored, and I still am stunned," Burke told the Toronto Star. "I've never been fired before."

Burke, 57, plans to remain in Toronto and work as a consultant to his replacement and former assistant Dave Nonis, previously the team's senior vice president of hockey operations. Burke's contract with the Leafs runs through next season.

"I think I can help," Burke said. "I've been at this for a while. I have my name on the Stanley Cup. I'll do whatever I can. I wish Dave and the Toronto Maple Leafs all the success in the world."

---The Anaheim Ducks named four-time Stanley Cup winner Scott Niedermayer as an assistant coach on Friday.

Coach Bruce Boudreau added Niedermayer, 39, to a staff that includes current assistants Bob Woods and Brad Lauer.

Niedermayer moves over to the coaching side after working as a consultant for hockey operations since he retired as a player in 2010.

--The New Jersey devils expect to be without center Adam Henrique (thumb) until at least early February because of a thumb injury.

Henrique, 22, had 51 points, fourth best on the team, last season, his firstin the NHL.