Bryan Murray Presser
A summary of Bryan Murray's media availability on July 1, 2014.
After starting off the day with a bang by moving Jason Spezza, Senators GM Bryan Murray was relatively quiet once free agency officially began at noon. The Sens sole free agent transaction of the afternoon was re-signing winger Milan Michalek. At 4:30 pm, Murray spoke to the media about the day's events.
For those who missed Bryan Murray's media avail, here is audio link on @TSN1200 http://t.co/lYYBOfyvPp
— Ian Mendes (@ian_mendes) July 1, 2014 On Jason Spezza:
Murray said he had 3 legit offers that disappeared. Didn't want to go through another summer of stories regarding Spezza. #Sens
— Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) July 1, 2014 Murray "Dallas was the one option I had"
— Brent Wallace (@tsn_wally) July 1, 2014 Bryan Murray confirms again -- that they offered Jason Spezza a contract extension and his camp declined.
— Ian Mendes (@ian_mendes) July 1, 2014 On losing 2 captains: "We've obviously put the C on the wrong people here. No, I don't know." #murray
— Wayne Scanlan (@HockeyScanner) July 1, 2014 That comment from Bryan Murray about putting the "C" on the wrong people was his version of sarcasm. I wouldn't put too much stock into it.
— Ian Mendes (@ian_mendes) July 1, 2014 Clear as mud. Not surprised by much of the information here, especially Murray slipping in that the team offered Spezza an extension and he wasn't interested. That captaincy quote is...interesting. If that's what Murray believes, I don't agree with his assessment of leadership. I suspect it's not. If the "I don't know" part is more accurate, well, it's a reflection of his obvious frustration and trying to make a joke in a news conference.
On Alex Chiasson:
"Our scouts like Chiasson." But Spezza leaves a void. Have money for another deal. #murray
— Wayne Scanlan (@HockeyScanner) July 1, 2014 Would have liked to hear a bit more about Chiasson.
On Milan Michalek:
"Perception is what you make it to be." Notes Michalek wanted back. #murray insists players still think OTT is a good destination.
— Wayne Scanlan (@HockeyScanner) July 1, 2014 Murray says Milan Michalek left two years and more money on the table with another team to sign with Ottawa.
— Ian Mendes (@ian_mendes) July 1, 2014 I'm intrigued about the other team that offered Milan Michalek more.
Miscellaneous items:
Murray says the Sens are likely done for the day on the UFA market.
— Ian Mendes (@ian_mendes) July 1, 2014 Murray says he is in the process of trying to get another deal done. Prospect in the package. Deal is close but not done. #Sens
— Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) July 1, 2014 Murray "I think we could sure use 1 NHL centerman"
— Brent Wallace (@tsn_wally) July 1, 2014 "If you do it right you don't have to always be right up against the cap." #murray says he needs one more "NHL centre."
— Wayne Scanlan (@HockeyScanner) July 1, 2014 Murray says he talked to Erik Karlsson in the last day or 2. #Sens
— Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) July 1, 2014 Murray "I think we could sure use 1 NHL centerman"
— Brent Wallace (@tsn_wally) July 1, 2014 We're past a rebuild. "Going to have a good hockey team here." #murray
— Wayne Scanlan (@HockeyScanner) July 1, 2014 So something is in the works maybe. There's not much that can be said about it until we know more. However, it does sound like some of the prospect logjam would be cleared up with this move. Murray mentioned a few times needing another NHL centre, so that seems to be the focus of any possible trade.
My biggest takeaway from the press conference is Murray sounds frustrated. The lead-in to his news conference was James Duthie and company talking Ottawa's budget/finances and he was asked about the budget during the press conference. It might bother him that the organization's side is questioned, but I don't think any here is going to change that line of questioning anytime soon.