Leafs captain Phaneuf says dismissal of GM Brian Burke was a shock

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Team captain Dion Phaneuf talks with the media following an informal Toronto Maple Leafs practice in Toronto on Thursday January 10 , 2013. NHL teams across North America are beginning to prepare for the start of a delayed season as they wait for the ratification of the Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiated between the NHL and the NHLPA. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young

TORONTO – Maple Leafs captain Dion Phaneuf says the dismissal of general manager Brian Burke was a shock but the players have to put the news in the past and focus on getting ready for the regular season.

Phaneuf says all the players had a lot of respect for Burke but they’ll have to move forward because there is little preparation time before the games begin.

Burke was fired as GM and president Wednesday after four years at the helm of the NHL club and replaced by his right-hand man, Dave Nonis.

Phaneuf was joined by about two dozen players today for an informal workout at Toronto’s practice facility.

The captain says that he has a good relationship with Nonis and he’s looking forward to working for him.

Players are expected to ratify the new collective bargaining agreement this week and the NHL is targeting a 48-game season beginning Jan. 19.

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