Bryan Murray Summary
- as a manager, step back and allow Alfie to make a decision on his own
- Last year they waited on Alfie to make a decision in his own time, will do the same thing this year.
- only disappointing part of the year was we couldn't find out how good we really were. Was optimistic we would be a real good hockey team, injuries derailed that.
- Main need: score more goals. Maybe find a player "out there" who can do that. Expecting young players in the system to step up in that department as well.
- At this stage in our development, we want growth to continue. Good numebr of young players who can improve and make team more competitive
- If there is a deal to be made in the summer, we have to take a hard look at it. Trade a young player -or two- to make the team better a possibility
- Pro meetings in the next couple of weeks: find out who needs a contract, what teams have a cap problem where the Sens could take advantage / "help them out".
- Gonchar played well for us. Played with younger defencemen. To be fair to him talk to him & agent to decide what we want to do before announcing it here
- I'm always busy.
- We'll talk to people on the UFA list to see if they want to come to Ottawa, but it will be a "particular type of player" if we do that.
- Talked to Dorion, identified a certain type of player to bring in (didn't specify as to what that "type" is)
- Got bigger on the blueline this year. Likes "Big, Strong, Competitive", but then said they need all type on the blueline as well. Murray personally likes bigger guys.
- Talked to Melnyk: no time where he's ever gone to Euge about a player where Melnyk has ever said "no". That being said, the team has a budget, probably won't be at the cap for 2013-14.
- Aiming for home-ice advantage in playoffs next year. We're at a stage where we think we can be really competitive again next year.
- Pittsburgh showed the "level of team that you need to be at to make the finals".
- Last two games vs Pittsburgh bothered Murray. Didn't like "The types of goals we gave up / we helped them score a few goals".
- "need to score better"
- A whole bunch of us want to win now. Alfie's decision may hinge on the Sens being better next year than they were this year.
- Met w/ players yesterday, had good feedback about players concerning the coaching staff. Players felt they were treated 1st class by organization & coaches. Dressing room very happy w/ org.
- Willingness to work with young players a key to Maclean's success. "Game planning" another key trait. Players work hard for him. Paul great at allowing vets into the office, getting suggestions from them, and be open minded about implementing veteran suggestions. Willingness to allow players to be the best they can be.
- Spezza knee scope in the next week. Michalek will have his knee checked out further to see if he can be "more comfortable" when playing. - Mike Hoffman might push for spot next year. Talked to Puempel's agent this morning, Murray praised huge improvements in his game. Identified parts of the game Stone needs to work on in the offseason. Expects all 3 to see the NHL at some point next year.
- "We're very simple people here: all we want are the best players to play"
- Ben Bishop couldn't play here long term, Lehner was ahead of him. Give him best chance somewhere else
- Very happy with what Benoit brought to the organization, will discuss the future with his agent.
- Biggest surprise: Pageau. Had no idea he'd get a game this year.
- Very pleased with Turris.
- Methot played competitive every night, a very important player. (Murray seemed proud about that move).
- Bringing Conacher in sends a message to the team that they always want to be improving. Could have got a 2nd for Bishop, liked Conacher more, especially with injuries.
- Anderson had a great year for us. Set for the future w/ Andy & Lehner.
- Not even considering the possibility of trading Anderson or Lehner. Wants to roll with those two for as long as he can. Completely dismissed the idea of trading either of them.
- Wants to get Cowen back to the level where he was a year ago.
- Not ruling out upgrading the blueline from outside the organization
- A few UFA's they like, will have to evaluate them.
- Once gain pointed out that "some teams are up against the cap, and maybe we can make a deal".
- "We're a good team. Are we as good as Pittsburgh? Not yet".
- Would prefer to get a 28-29-30 year old if bringing in a player from outside the org, not specifically looking at 35-40 year olds, but won't rule it out if the right move comes along.
- AT LEAST 8-9 guys in the farm system will play in the NHL someday. Depth in org is outstanding.
- Said Alfie's post-game comments vs Pittsburgh were "real honest". "That's just Daniel Alfredsson, that's how he is".