There went that idea....

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Bob Murray has withdrawn his name from consideration to become the Blue Jackets general manager, The Dispatch has learned.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.

Bob Murray New GM?!

It sure is look that way. Reading this today then along with what Arace wrote...I think he is the best man for the job. I think he has done great things for the Ducks organization and apparently he had a hand in the Fedorov trade. So, we all know he can make trades...and also, who wouldn't want a team like Anaheim...I would love to see my Jackets play with that grit and with that much defense...not saying we need Pronger but ya know. Also, in case you know nothing about Murray...the Dispatch put a little thing up on him...it wasn't a lot...but it was a little bit...I will put it up here.

Murray file

• Age: 52

• Position: Vice president of hockey operations, Anaheim Ducks

• Notable: A defenseman, played 1,008 NHL games, all with the Chicago Blackhawks … After retiring in 1990, joined Chicago front office and was named general manager in 1997 … Blackhawks went 64-94-29-2 under him, and he was fired during the 1999-2000 season … Worked as a scout for Vancouver Canucks from 1999 to 2005 before joining Anaheim

Also, congrats to the Anahiem Ducks for winning tonight 1-0. The Ducks now lead the series 2-0 with the next 2 games being played in Ottawa. Sens were out played the entire night...being outshot almost 2-1.

Jackets News!

1. Well it looks like Mike Priest will interview Bob Murray, the vice president of hockey operations for the Anaheim Ducks, for our GM position. Aaron Portzline reported it today in the Dispatch here. I am really happy with the way Mike Priest is handling all this and I have high hopes that he will find the perfect fit for our GM.

2. Jackets agreed to terms with left winger Kirill Starkov to a three year entry level contract. He played one season with the WHL's Red Deer Rebels and had 72 games played 34 goals and 37 assists.


3. Prospects at the Memorial Cup...Derek Dorsett a right winger from the WHL's Medicine Hat Tigers was the 189th pick overall in the 2006 Entry Draft. He has one goal and one assist in three games. Kris Russell a defenseman for the Medicine Hat Tigers has one assist in three games in the Memorial Cup. He was the Jackets 3rd pick, 67th overall in the 2005 Entry Draft. Tom Sestito from the OHL's Plymouth Whalers is a left wing who was drafted as the Jackets 3rd pick 85th overall in the 2006 Entry Draft. He has two goals and five assists in four games at the Memorial Cup. Jared Boll also plays with the Whalers. He is a right wing who was drafted 101st overall and was the Jackets 4th pick in the 2005 Entry Draft. He has two assists in four games.

4. Baby Jackets are in the Kelly Cup Finals playing the Idaho Steelheads. The series started on Wednesday and the Bombers won 2-1. On Friday they fell 5-2 so the series is tied 1-1. They will have the next 3 games in Dayton and will be able to close out the series.