The Anaheim Ducks have announced that general manager Bob Murray has been given a two-year extension. Murray’s new deal will carry him through the 2021-22 season.
BREAKING: We've signed Executive Vice President and General Manager Bob Murray to a two-year contract extension through the 2021-22 season.https://t.co/JzhFjJ3tjI
— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) December 8, 2018
Ducks Extend Bob Murray
Murray is in his 11th season in charge of the club as executive vice president and general manager. He joined the club in 2005 as senior vice president of hockey operations. The Kingston, Ontario native is a three-time finalist for general manager of the year and won the award in 2013-14.
Anaheim has made the playoffs the last six seasons and reached 100 points in five of those. That streak is the longest in the league. Only the Pittsburgh Penguins have a longer postseason streak than the Ducks. The team has made the Western Conference final two of the last four seasons but has yet to win a Stanley Cup since 2007. Murray was an assistant under Brian Burke during that season.
The 64-year-old also served as general manager for the Chicago Blackhawks from 1997 until November 1999. Murray is approaching 1,000 games as an NHL general manager. He is currently at 975 games — 188 with Chicago and 787 with Anaheim.
“Bob has created a winning organization with his commitment and expertise,” Ducks chief executive Michael Schulman said in a statement. “We are very pleased to be in a position where expectations are high virtually every season, thanks in large part to Bob and his staff. We passionately share a common goal — bringing another Stanley Cup to Orange County.”
What it Means for the Future
The Ducks will have continuity for the next few years. Anaheim has been a consistent contender the last few years under Murray’s stewardship.
He’s made some solid draft picks that have developed into regular contributors. However, he’s also responsible for some troublesome contracts. The long-term deals of Ryan Kesler and Corey Perry have hampered the club’s salary cap flexibility.
LAS VEGAS, NV – JUNE 24: Bob Murray of the Anaheim Ducks speaks after being named NHL General Manager of the Year during the 2014 NHL Awards at the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas on June 24, 2014, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
