Bob Murray

n the Western Conference semi-finals to the Detroit Red Wings in the 2008-09 NHL playoffs, Ducks GM Bob Murray had a tough decision to make; with Pronger and Niedermayer still on the team, the Ducks had to move one of them.  The organization had improved its offensive core, but the younger players (Ryan Getzlaf, Cory Perry, and Bobby Ryan) would eventually need raises.  Once again, Niedermayer was unsure about his future, so he waited until the first day of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft to make his decision.  Hours before the draft began, he told Murray he wanted to return, so the GM decided that moving Pronger, an ex-Hart Trophy winner, was the best option for his club.  He traded Pronger (whose snarky comment of “I wouldn’t say I’m surprised” had some believing that he was not happy about being traded), to the Philadelphia Flyers for forward Joffrey Lupul, prospect defenseman Luca Sbisa and multiple draft picks.  Pronger went on to do something he has done twice before; help lead his team to the Stanley Cup Finals.  Meanwhile, the Ducks didn’t make the playoffs for the first time in five seasons.

Continue reading "Niedermayer Not the Hero Everyone May Think He Is"

J.S. Giguere is a Conn Smythe Trophy winner, Stanley Cup Champion and a 4-time 30-game winner.  There is no way any team would want to dump a guy with these credentials, right?  Think again.

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Leafs on July 5th.  He even had a few harsh words about not being re-signed for his former GM Bob Murray and Anaheim Ducks management.

“Yeah, I am a little bit disappointed by them,” Beauchemin said on a media conference call, “Obviously, I had four great years there. When you play in a place for four years and win a Stanley Cup, it’s always tough to leave, but at the same time, when they don’t want you, it’s time to move on.”

Continue reading "Ducks' Defense Still Staggering"

uld be beneficial in the development of Luke Schenn.

-    Ducks’ GM Bob Murray has publicly said that Pronger and Niedermayer are not for sale.  He will prove that tomorrow by not moving either player, hoping for a playoff push.  Being said that, the 2009 NHL Entry Draft could be very interesting for the Ducks.

Continue reading "Trade Deadline Predictions"