It appears the Toronto Maple Leafs have started their search for a new general manager.

According to TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger, Leafs president Brendan Shanahan was given permission from the Arizona Coyotes to speak with Sean Burke earlier this week and the two sides have had ongoing discussions.

Burke, 48, has been the Coyotes assistant general manager and goaltending coach for the past three seasons. Burke, a former NHL goaltender, played 820 career games with the New Jersey Devils, Hartford Whalers/Carolina Hurricanes, Vancouver Canucks, Philadelphia Flyers, Florida Panthers, Coyotes, Tampa Bay Lightning and Los Angeles Kings. He was also a member of Canada's 1988 and 1992 Winter Olympic hockey teams.

The Leafs fired general manager Dave Nonis and interim head coach Peter Horachek the day after the season ended.