The Star-Ledger reports that former Devils coach Pat Burns speculates he could have returned to the team to replace Brent Sutter if health issues did not get in the way.

“I think so,“ said Burns, who has had multiple battles with cancer. “If I had been healthy I would have loved to coach, but having Jacques (Lemaire) back is great for our hockey team.”

After Burns was diagnosed with colon cancer during the 2004 playoffs, he underwent treatment that summer and during the lockout season of 2004-05 with the intention of returning to the Devils’ bench.

But he then was diagnosed with liver cancer, and now has incurable lung cancer.

“It’s a question of time, really,” Burns said. “I feel so-so. It’s a struggle. But we knew that. It’s not getting any better.”

Speaking to reporter Rich Chere from his home in New Hampshire, Burns said he may not be able to continue to work for the Devils as a scout due to the Swine Flu virus. The 57-year-old can not be around possibly harmful crowds.

“I won’t be there for the first road game in Tampa (Oct. 8). I won’t go down to Florida until possibly next month, but the doctors sort of advised me to stay away from crowds because of that H1N1 virus,” Burns said. “The inoculations don’t come out until early October. I want to get that.”

Sutter left the Devils after last season with one year remaining on his contract. Lemaire was named as his successor thsi summer, starting his second stint as Devils coach.

“Bringing Jacques back into the picture, I think he’s the perfect coach for the situation we’re in right now,” Burns said. “I think he’s the ideal choice.”

With AP, Star-Ledger