I got a chance to tune in during a break at work:
Notes from interview:
- Asked Murray how Babcock delt with Sabres. Murray said it was a great process, no wrong doing by Babs. He's considered one of the best and for him to give us a good hard look was great for Murray's experience.
- Asked Murray..Org felt that they had a deal, is that true, was it close? Murray said "only Pegula's Murray and Mike knew negotiations and that it wasn't super close. Not sure who in TBN they spoke to about a a deal is practically done. Murray got the call at 11:33am that he wasn't coming to Buffalo. Murray said Ok, move on, that's it.
- Asked Murray same questions. Murray said he never was sure, maybe some optomism but about it. Maybe a conversation went well or something, but they knew he was talking to other teams.
- Babcock thought he was straight forward during the Toronto meeting today. Asked Murray if that's true. Murray said he was told that Bobcock told him he was still talking to Detroit Buffalo and Toronto.
- Asked Murray about not going to World Championships, but Babcock said it was interesting that SHannanhan went to the Worlds and went after Babcock there. Murray said no, we spoke and met before the worlds, and he has no second guessing or doubts about not going (scouting or Babcock reasons)
- After it's over, how soon was the next step thought about? Murray: He went back into the board room, had a sammich and continued on with his list. He took a couple of calls from interested parties, or people that knew someone interested. (Now that I think about it, not sure if the list was for 2015 draft?)
- He has spoken to other candidates besides Mike, before during and after Mike made his decision.
- Asked about Balsyma and any truth to any rumors out there. Murray: Pretty much no comment. He is trying to do it privately. he understands there's rumors and leaks, and that's fine. Would prefer to keep Sabres list private.
- Any challenge to coaching contracts now that Mike's salary is out there? Murray said lightheartedly maybe he should get the next contract in fast before Babcock's contract registers with the league. Salary's should bump up here and there with coaches. Experience and accomplishments of course factor in. Mie certainly had it in his mind he could set the bar for other coaches, which is fine.
- What kind of candidate looking for? (experience, a profile?, college, giving someone a shot?) Murray: Open minded to it all. Could interview a couple guys for Rochester and if impressed he could consider them for the Sabres, you basically never know and could be blown away by someone's plan. He could interview 8 total for Sabres/Rochester, and 4-5 of them could really impress. Nothing to do with a young guy for the young talent. Whoever is the best fit, no matter what.
- Murray said it is ludicrous that people are calling Babcock a liar. Never a deal very close or expecting a meeting to announce he's the coach.
- Asked about Eichel at the worlds and how he looked. Murray: Thought he was great. Tired for one game. Other than that, Great. Thought he was very very exciting to watch, above and beyond.
- "What about moving up to #1? or Calls about #2?" Murray had 2 calls if he would move his pick. "Calls were short, you could make an offer, but I don't think you want to move your franchise for #2 pick" Murray said he will not call Peter (Edmonton), we are set. He will make calls on the 21st pick. Wants to possibly move up from 21. or a young player already drafted (all makes sense).
- Looking forward to a solid communication line with the next coach. More than just "we just traded so and so, so you can't play him" (Reminded me of Money Ball
)
