Background
Bob Murray, formerly general manager of the Anaheim Ducks, has been recruited by the Calgary Flames as a scout. Sheppard Mullin recommended that Murray be placed on administrative leave for two days following his resignation in November. Murray had to enter a treatment program for alcohol abuse, which he says, according to TSN, has now been completed.
Former Chicago Blackhawks teammates Murray and Darryl Sutter have a long-standing connection dating back to their time together on the Chicago Blackhawks in the early 1980s. Murray and Sutter, both NHL coaches, were Stanley Cup rivals when Murray coached the Ducks and Sutter coached the Kings, but have developed a close relationship over the years.
Murray and His History With the Ducks
During the summer of 2019, Murray brought Sutter on board as an advisor to the Anaheim coaching staff. After he left for Calgary, Sutter replaced Geoff Ward. The Ducks have brought Ward on as an assistant coach to Dallas Eakins for the season 2021-22.
Since November 2008, Murray has served as GM of Anaheim. Murray helped the Ducks win five consecutive Pacific Division titles and make the playoffs several times. Until Anaheim hired Pat Verbeek as Murray’s permanent successor on Feb. 3, assistant GM Jeff Solomon served as an interim replacement.
My Opinion On Murray
Although Murray would fit in Calgary it doesn’t change the history behind his stats. In 2019 the Ducks were suffering from a 12 game losing streak that Murray left unbothered until he finally decided it was time to let go of their former coach, Randy Carlyle.
Many awful trades have been dealt with by Murray as well that many fans weren’t pleased to hear about. Back in 2018, Murray had traded Chris Wagner to the New York Islanders for Jason Chimera. Now, Wagner isn’t a great player but trading for a player who is even worse blows my mind.
Another time would be back in 2019 when Murray sent defenseman Brandon Montour to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for Brendan Guhle. A little while later after he noticed Guhle needed a lot of work to become a better or yet decent defenseman, he sent him down to the AHL team, the San Diego Gulls, and he’s been there ever since.
Statement Made By Murray
In a statement made in November he said, “I want to apologize to anyone adversely affected by my behavior. As I step away from the Ducks, I will focus my attention on where it should be: improving my life for the betterment of my family and friends.” Hopefully Murray will leaving his drinking days behind him to become an elite addition to the Flames
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