Yesterday the Calgary Flames quietly brought former Ducks GM Bob Murray into the organization to work as a Scout.
Murray served as GM of the Anaheim Ducks from November 12, 2008 to November 10th, 2021 of this season.
At the time of his resignation the NHL was pressing forward through the sexual abuse scandal involving Brad Aldrich, former video coach of the Chicago Blackhawks during the team’s Stanley Cup run in 2010. Heads were rolling around the league. Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman resigned, Florida Head Coach Joel Quenneville resigned from his position as well.
The League put out a memo to all teams along the lines of “if you have any dirty laundry regarding inappropriate behaviour, now is the time to deal with it.”
So, while unrelated to the horrible situation in Chicago, the Ducks identified Murray as someone who’s behaviour has caused some waves in the past. On November 9, 2021, Murray was put on administrative leave pending the results of an ongoing investigation. The investigation was reportedly focused on Murray's alleged history of verbal abuse to players and staff members.
I’d rather not get too into the details, but Darren Dreger and Chris Johnston did some digging and procured quotes from anonymous sources that have worked with the Ducks in the past. If you’re interested, check the link in the comments section.
For those less interested; he was a hard ass with a short temper. He was also a pretty good GM and a remarkable evaluator of talent.
A day later, November 10, Murray resigned from his position and informed the team he intended to enter treatment for alcohol abuse.
While it wasn’t likely on the terms he would prefer, it’s good to see someone identify that they have a problem and take measures to better themselves. Bob has a great mind for hockey and it’s good that he’s getting back to work.
Of course, the hiring absolutely has “Darryl” written all over it. The two are thick as thieves.
They played on the Chicago Blackhawks together from 1979-1987; the entirety of Darryl’s NHL career. Following their playing careers, they worked within the Blackhawks organization (Sutter as a Coach and Murray on a fast track to General Manager) until the 97-98 season when Darryl signed on as Head Coach of the Sharks. Over twenty years later, Murray brought Darryl into the Ducks organization as a team consultant for the 19-20 season. Darryl left that position the following season to return as Head Coach of the Calgary Flames.
It’s not an unreasonable assumption to say that Darryl put in a good word for Bob. The working relationship between the two goes back 43 years.
Yesterday’s hiring brings the count of former Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year award winners within the Flames scouting ranks to two. Don Maloney (Phoenix Coyotes 2009-10) and Bob Murray (Anaheim Ducks 2013-14).
While Maloney was Brad Treliving’s hire, Bob was clearly Darryl’s. That may be cause for concern for the current Flames GM. Bringing in a former GM with such a successful track record could easily be considered a threat to take the role of GM down the road.
It should also be noted that this is not the first time Murray has gone from the position of General Manager to Scout. Following being fired 22 games into the 99-00 season, Brian Burke got Murray working as a Scout for the Ducks. The following year Dave Nonis, Brian’s buddy, hired Murray to scout for the Canucks. Murray would eventually return to the Ducks organization as VP of Hockey Ops followed by usurping the General Manager role when Brian Burke left the organization to be closer to his family living out East.
It’s just speculation, but a big fish like Murray will likely require a bigger tank sooner or later. For now though, the Flames get an exceptional evaluator of talent.
Matchups
While there are thirty-some games left to be played by any given team in the NHL, the Western Conference wildcard race is starting to close up.
The two closest teams on the outside looking in need to go on a tear to get their winning percentage even close to a wildcard spot. The Flames are likely playing one of Edmonton, Nashville or LA provided none of these teams goes on a major losing streak.
There’s a lot of fun to be had thinking about any of these three matchups.
The Oilers are the obvious favourite. A series is well overdue and it’s unlikely the winning team gets past the following round given the blood bath that series would be.
The Nashville Predators and the Calgary Flames also have a history of exciting games in the last few years. Matthew Tkachuk’s through-the-legs one-timer OT winning goal stands out as a highlight. Also, David Rittich playing his old team is a possible storyline. Congrats on beating the Panthers yesterday, Dave.
That out of the way, the LA Kings would be my choice for a playoff series.
There are so many reasons that series would be glorious.
• The absolute war that would be Tkachuk vs. Doughty
• Tkachuk and Brendan Lemieux jump-start an old OHL rivalry
• Sutter, Lewis, Lucic, Richardson vs. their former organization
This is a series the NHL needs to have happen. Get it done, refs.
Speaking of monumental games for players facing their former teams: the Flames will be in Vancouver tomorrow looking to break the franchise record for consecutive wins. Currently they are in a three way tie at 10.* Be sure to stop by to catch the game day preview.
Trevor Neufeld
* Atlanta Flames 78-79, Calgary Flames 16-17, Calgary Flames 21-22
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