Ducks ink coach Randy Carlyle to one-year extension

According to Ducks’ GM Brian Burke, Carlyle’s extension was actually signed 5 months ago yet only officially announced this past Wednesday, June 13th. No financial figures were disclosed.

Carlyle, a former Winnipeg Jets defense man back when Teemu Selanne was breaking into the league as a rookie, completed his second full season behind the Ducks’ bench by winning the ultimate prize: The Stanley Cup. However according to reports, the extension was finalized long before the playoffs, just before the NHL All-Star weekend (where he coached his team to victory). Carlyle said he postponed the announcement in an effort to avoid unnecessary distraction while the team was still playing.

Burke commented that he only committed to a one-year extension (through the 2008-2009 season) as that is when his own deal expires and he doesn’t believe it would be fair to a (potential) new GM to be stuck with a coach he didn’t hire. Burke states he has not had any talks with (Duck owners) Henry or Susan Samueli about extending his contract at this time; however with his success thus far it would be logical to assume he will remain in his current situation for years to come.