Ducks official drops out of Blue Jackets search
Monday, June 4, 2007 6:08 PM
By Aaron Portzline
COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Bob Murray has withdrawn his name from consideration to become the Blue Jackets general manager, The Dispatch has learned.
Murray, the Anaheim Ducks vice president of hockey operations, interviewed with the Blue Jackets on Friday and notified the team on Sunday that he was no longer interested in the job.
“The Blue Jackets were extremely interested in (Murray),” said an NHL source, speaking on the condition of anonymity. “Bob spent Saturday discussing it with his family, and he's decided he's in a very good spot right now with Anaheim, that he wants to stay put.”
Edmonton Oilers' general manager Scott Howson has been asked by the Blue Jackets to fly to central Ohio for an interivew, a source said. The Oilers have granted persmission for the Blue Jackets to interview Howson, considered one of the NHL's foremost salary-cap experts.
Also, the Blue Jackets are believed to have renewed interest in Dallas Stars assistant general manager Les Jackson, who has known Blue Jackets coach Ken Hitchcock for years.
None of the other three “finalists” targeted by the club last week — former New York Islanders and New York Rangers GM Neil Smith, Blue Jackets interim general manager Jim Clark and Blue Jackets director of hockey operations Don Boyd — is considered a likely candidate for the job, numerous NHL sources said.
UGH I will comment later
UPDATE I have been thinking about it...I'm still disappointed because I liked Murray's style...I figured if we couldn't have Brian Burke we could get someone who works with him...haha. But, he has it good in Anaheim and I can't blame him for not wanting to come to the Jackets. BUT since he put it that way...I take it that he's just not up for a challenge...so I don't want him anyway. At least that's what I keep telling myself. I know that Hitch will help the owner's and the President make the right decision. In looking at who else we could get...the one that sticks out to me is Scott Howson. I think he would be a good fit for our club...and help us make smarter decisions with the cap. Anyway, that's all I really have right now. Have faith Jackets fans...our time will come.
2 comments:
At least he didn't pull a Pronger and move to Ohio then decide after a season that he has to get the hell out of there for "personal reasons".
You're definitely better off with someone who wants to be there.
Yeah, I guess you're right...still disappointing though eh?
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