The Ottawa Senators announced today that coach Bryan Murray was being promoted to general manager and that John Muckler was now unemployed. I find it hard to believe that the move has to do with the team's failure to win the Stanley Cup after making it to the finals. Afterall, after many years of playoff disappointment, the Senators finally lived up to expectation but ultimately fell short.
So Muckler is probably leaving because of some grand plan of owner Eugene Melnyk. But it's interesting that a GM would be let go after such a successful season. Meanwhile in Toronto, John Ferguson has been given an endorsement and contract extension although his team has not made the playoffs the past two season. Clearly a case of lower expectations.
12 years ago
