Senators shake up: Murray leaves bench to replace Muckler

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06/18/2007 - Ottawa, ON (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Ottawa Senators have made some big changes within the front office, firing general manager John Muckler and replacing him with head coach Bryan Murray, who will leave his position behind the bench.

Murray, who becomes the Senators' seventh general manager, said during an afternoon news conference that he did not want to assume a dual role within the organization. The Senators will begin interviews for a new coach over the next several weeks, though there is no timetable for when a replacement could be named.

"The last three years as head coach has shown me we have a very strong foundation of players to build upon," said Murray. "The depth and experience of this team presents us with an enormous opportunity to create a long-term plan that will allow us to bring forward a competitive team for many years to come."

The overhaul comes after the Senators went 48-25-9 in the regular season and advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time in franchise history before losing to Anaheim in five games.

Muckler had a year remaining on his current contract and said during an end- of-season press conference that he had every intention of returning next season. Reports then surfaced last Friday that team owner Eugene Melnyk told Muckler he would be replaced.

"I want to take this opportunity to thank John Muckler for his substantial contributions to this organization," Melnyk said. "In his five years in Ottawa, John proved to all of us why he is one of the most impressive and accomplished general managers in the history of the National Hockey League."

The 73-year-old Muckler, a five-time Stanley Cup winner, became the first GM in club history with previous experience after accepting the position in 2002. He previously served as general manager with the Buffalo Sabres, and as the head coach of the New York Rangers from 1997-2000. He also guided the Edmonton Oilers to the Stanley Cup in 1990 and has over 50 years of professional hockey experience.

"I leave Ottawa with a great sense of satisfaction at what I've helped to accomplish here," said Muckler, who will be pursuing other opportunities outside the Senators organization. "It is a first-class organization, and I'll very much miss being part of it."

Murray assumes the GM post with 25 years of NHL experience. He has served 16 years as a head coach, with more than 1,300 regular and postseason games under his belt, including 665 wins. He joined the Senators' organization after serving as senior vice-president and general manager of Anaheim.

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