Anaheim Ducks CEO Michael Schulman filed paperwork with the National Hockey League earlier today that would grant all teams permission to speak with former GM Brian Burke.
The league approved the documents and Burke is now free to speak to any team who inquires about his services.
Burke made it clear to the Ducks organization the he was not going to sign a contract extension in Anaheim due to family considerations and as a result, stepped down from his GM duties.
He will remain on as special consultant to Schulman for now but that the final word on any hockey operations decisions in Anaheim will be made by former Chicago Blackhawks' GM Bob Murray who has been working as Burke's right-hand man.
''This was the hardest decision I've ever had to make,'' Burke said. ''I'm comforted that the team is in great hands with Bob and (assistant GM) David (McNab) in charge.''