Cornwall ON – Eugene Melnyk, owner of the Ottawa Senators rewarded GM Bryan Murray with a new 3 year contract.
Interesting concept. There are some teams where GM’s are in charge, and others where the owner has a lot of input. Think George Steinbrenner.
The 68 year old Murray was thought to be out by many Sens fans and media. After all this was a team that did not do well and hasn’t really during Murray’s term. Coach Cory Clouston looks like he’s going to be let go at season’s end.
Captain Daniel Alfredsson looks like he’s ready to retire, and Jason Spezza is about the only real asset on a team that currently isn’t today’s NHL geared.
Murray did destruct the team much more productively than he built it. He somehow got a first rounder + for popular Mike Fisher.
Of course the pressure is off of Mr. Murray as the team is going to do a full rebuild and isn’t really going to be expected to compete for the Stanley Cup.
Trading for Craig Anderson was a savvy move as it allows Robin Lehner some development time and should be a good contract to trade for assets too. The price for Anderson was Brian Elliot.
Big contracts seem to be something he’s not afraid of offering up. In his defense he was able to get something for Alex Kovalev, but the Heatley trade certainly didn’t make a lot of fans for Mr. Murray.
Resigning Chris Phillips could be a boon or bust too. With teams now scrambling to not only protect assets, but the role contract value is now playing in today’s NHL the question remains as to whether Mr. Murray has the vision to rebuild the team and what type of team he’s hoping to build.
He finishes this season steady in goal, shaky on D, and desperate when it comes to a top six forward core.
What do you think Ottawa fans? You can post your comments below.
