With his team riding a four game winning streak and the trade deadline rapidly approaching, Bryan Murray took a moment to speak to reporters yesterday in Vancouver.
And as usual, there was a lot of interesting information provided on a variety of topics. From his approach leading up to the deadline to the team’s recent stretch of improved play, the Senators General Manager weighed in on a variety of topics of interest.
A quick run through of some of the topics discussed yesterday.
-He spoke briefly on how this recent run changes the teams plan ahead of the deadline. Murray indicated that the team was already considering moving a couple players that haven’t been playing much (Prince and Wiercioch, perhaps?) and the winning streak doesn’t change that. Definitely doesn’t sound like they are expecting a busy deadline. Certainly not interested in any rentals though which seems like a no-brainer. If someone fits with the team beyond this year though, that’s something they would consider.
-Like everyone, Murray is clearly thrilled with the impact Dion Phaneuf has had on this team and in particular on Cody Ceci. Listening to Murray speak about the blueline, it’s pretty clear that at this point, he really likes their top four. Both for the rest of this season and heading into next year. And now with Wideman locked up and Borowiecki clearly a fixture on defence, those may be your top three pairings next year too.
-He spoke briefly on the Chris Wideman signing and the potential impact that has on Patrick Wiercioch’s future. There was an assumption that locking up Wideman meant that now Wiericoch is expendable and I do believe that’s the case. But as Murray points out, the team does need seven defenceman on the roster going forward so it’s not a slam dunk that they move Wiericoch. If they get a good offer, then yes. But they don’t have to make a move.
-On Clarke MacArthur, Murray made it clear that at this point, the ball is in Clarke’s court. They certainly aren’t going to force him back into the line up. Obviously getting him back would be a huge lift for the team but they are giving MacArthur all the time he needs. MacArthur did join the team on this trip out West but he’s not expected to play.
Lots of other topics covered too including a clear indication that Zack Smith is not on the trade market, Chris Neil’s future with the organization and the status of talks with restricted free agent Mike Hoffman. Worth a listen.
The full video is available below. Game Day post coming later this afternoon.
#Sens GM Bryan Murray also addressed the media today in Vancouver.https://t.co/FE03LyF067
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) February 24, 2016
