What follows are some quotes from the Anaheim Ducks on the day Brian Burke steps down as GM and senior vice-president of hockey operations Bob Murray takes over.

Here's team CEO Michael Shulman:

"Brian respectfully declined our contract extension offer last week," said Schulman. "With his support, we decided to make the transition at this time in the best interest of the organization. Brian and I have been discussing his future with the Ducks for some time. Once he decided last week not to extend his contract, I decided Bob was the obvious successor and Brian agreed.

"Bob’s experience and knowledge of our organization make him the ideal candidate to take over. He’s been a critical member of our organization over the last three seasons, both as Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations and General Manager of our American Hockey League (AHL) club.

"Needless to say, what Brian has done for this franchise as General Manager has been remarkable. He’s led our club to unprecedented success since joining the team, creating an entertaining brand of hockey our community can be proud of. We cannot thank him enough for what he’s done for us. Brian has been upfront and honest with us regarding his family situation. We respect and understand his decision and are pleased he’s staying on as a Special Consultant."

New GM Bob Murray:

"I’m honored to be named General Manager," said Murray. "I want to thank both Michael Schulman and Brian Burke for their support and encouragement during this process and look forward to the future."

Brian Burke's only quote to this point:

"As I’ve said all along, the Samuelis and Michael Schulman are special people," said Burke. "This was the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make. I’m comforted that the team is in great hands with Bob and David (McNab) in charge. I can’t thank everyone enough for their understanding and patience as I wrestled with this decision."

UPDATE The Ducks PR staff have made full transcripts of all of the pressers available now, including Burke's 18-minute media availability session. I thought this was an interesting quote from Burke:

There was no way I would have the nerve to ask to go back somewhere if I hadn’t won a championship here. I think that would have taken a lot more nerve than I have. That validated me. That justified my asking. In other words, if I hadn’t delivered I think it’s a real different equation.