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Brian Burke has stepped down as general manager of the Anaheim Ducks, clearing the way for a much anticipated move to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Burke, who is also general manager of the US national team for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, will be replaced by the Ducks' senior vice president of hockey operations Bob Murray.

In the final year of his four-year contract, Burke will continue in a consultant's role with Anaheim but, according to reports on the Ducks' website, has been given permission to explore other opportunities.

Burke refused to speculate on his future. Hockey's most famous and valuable franchise, the Toronto Maple Leafs, have been in hot pursuit of the long-time NHL executive.

"This should be Bob Murray's day but all speculation about what happens next we can do that at some other time," Burke said. "I haven't gotten that far."

Abrasive and outspoken, the 53-year-old Burke is recognised as one of the NHL's top general managers.

He joined Anaheim in 2005 and built the Ducks into Stanley Cup champions in 2007.

"Brian respectfully declined our contract extension offer last week," said Ducks' CEO Mike Schulman.

"With his support, we decided to make the transition at this time in the best interest of the organisation."

Reuters