Resurgent Mike Smith laments Sean Burke's potential departure from Coyotes

Goodbyes are hard.

In the midst of a resurgence of sorts, Mike Smith may soon have to bid farewell to Arizona Coyotes goalie coach Sean Burke, who has been permitted to seek a front-office opportunity elsewhere.

Smith's most successful years in the NHL have come under Burke's tutelage, and though he's understanding, he admits parting ways will be somewhat difficult.

"I've learned a lot, and obviously he's a big reason for my success the last few years and kind of rejuvenated my career so to speak," Smith told Sarah McLellan of azcentral sports. "I obviously owe a lot to him, and I'll have a close relationship with Burkie wherever he may be. But it's disappointing to hear the news. But he deserves a chance at what he wants to do."

Both Smith and the Coyotes are having a down year, but the goalie's .936 save percentage in March suggests he still has much to offer the rebuilding club. Burke believes the man who backstopped the team to a 2012 conference final appearance is still capable of playing at a high level.

"If you were to put Mike in the net right now with the same team three years ago, he'd be the same goalie as three years ago," Burke said. "There's no question ... Mike's game is every bit as good today as it was three years ago in the playoffs against Chicago, and he's got that in him to continue to play like that."