I’m talking about when they sent him down lol
- sens4life1971

Yes true, but I was also saying, who gets rid of a guy with 2 Cups, in his prime? Well it was because Murray was demanding a big contract and Pitt still had control of him with his last year RFA. But then PD bit on it. Didnt do his background on him! Just incredible!

Really excellent piece Kevin. Thought this:
"If Dorion doesn't move Forsberg, it would signal that Ottawa is looking to move Murray in the off-season, while re-signing Forsberg to have him and Filip Gustavsson be the goaltending duo next year"
...to be an interesting take. Gus has that one way deal next year which means he's waiver eligible, so he's likely with the big club irrespective if he deserves it or not... if they think they can move Murray it makes a lot of sense to keep Forsberg. If not, it makes zero sense to keep Forsberg. I'll be watching for that.

If Murray is indeed flexing to play coach with our blue line, that certainly does us a favour... but its also not a particularly viable long term option, and based off your breakdown it sounds like it's not unique to his relationship with DJ Smith. To me this highlights how fragile and stuck in his head Matt Murray seems to be, irrespective of how he is playing or who he's playing for. I know that Pit say they thought Jarry was the future, but who so readily lets go of a 25 year old who won you two cups already?
- Bartacus

The Forsberg domino will be interesting for sure! I've added a few more things in the comment section about Murray too!

I hear ya about Murray making noise about his defense. I'm telling you he absolutely is. The TOI in the last few games that he has started says a lot....each period the time decreases, JBrown will start in the 7-8min. range, then drop off to 4, a few games he has ended the 3rd period with 2-2.5 min, of TOI!

The whole Jarry thing, Murray was asking for a big contract even though he still had one year under the control for the team. Pitt wanted no part of his antics anymore! Then boom.....PD makes the trade, but worse of all he gives him a 4 year contract when nobody would've. Only PD!

Yes true, but I was also saying, who gets rid of a guy with 2 Cups, in his prime? Well it was because Murray was demanding a big contract and Pitt still had control of him with his last year RFA. But then PD bit on it. Didn't do his background on him! Just incredible!
- Kevin Francis

That's pure speculation on your part. Besides, you seem to also be talking from both sides of your mouth. You've put forth that Murray is not the issue but DJ and Dorion are. You've made this reference many times in the past. Yet in your very last sentence above, you are inferring that Dorion didn't do his job before signing Murray because he had issues in PIT which was evident to anyone who bothered to look into it.

I don't know why you take this critical approach towards the team in your articles. I assume when you took on the role as a writer for the team, you were a fan of the Sens. There are 82 games in a season and not all of them will be worthy of praises so I'm fine with the criticizing each game/play when it's warranted but you just seem to have an overall negative take on this team. The Sens are rebuilding and they aren't quite there yet so there will be more disappointments than praises at times. Regardless, more time should be focused on the good components this team has, and overall, they are trending in the right direction. Try being a bit more positive.

Love these kinds of articles. Thanks for posting!

Reading everything, there seems to be wrongdoings by both DJ and Murray but the way Brown just let the Blues player fall on Murray without any sort of attempt to come to Murray's defence after the fact was strange. You always protect your goalie.

I feel for Murray. He's really made some strides to improve his play and showing he could be a true #1 goalie in Ottawa. However, it's one thing to have the coach against you, but if all the players do in fact play half-ass in front of you compared to another goalie, it's hard to reverse that trend. You can get a new coach but you can't get 20+ new players. It would be interesting if DJ has anything to do with teams 'lacklustre' efforts.

You hate to hear this type of stuff. Murray now has the 15th best save percentage in the NHL on a pretty mediocre team. However, rather than celebrate the bounce back season he is having, poor relationships are being exposed through savvy posts like this.

Murray's contract is next to impossible to move. I am not sure the endgame or why you wouldn't try to find common ground with the guy, especially when his game has tremendously improved since being recalled.

Accountability goes two ways. Murray may not have liked being sent down but he has shown that he can play of late. That should be recognized by management, coaching, and teammates but it hasn't.

Again, good content. Gives one a lot to mull over.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Thanks for the kind words, glad you enjoyed article! I sunk a lot of time, etc..into it! I'm with you it goes both ways with this fiasco! But if PD had of done his homework, he would've known what could happen with him off the ice and in the locker room.

JBrown has gone out of his way to not protect Murray, sadly! But the proof is in the putting during that Boston game, then again when STL came to town.

[quote=SENSible_Fan]That's pure speculation on your part. Besides, you seem to also be talking from both sides of your mouth. You've put forth that Murray is not the issue but DJ and Dorion are. You've made this reference many times in the past. Yet in your very last sentence above, you are inferring that Dorion didn't do his job before signing Murray because he had issues in PIT which was evident to anyone who bothered to look into it.

Where did I say Murray wasn't the problem? And it's not speculation, it was written about going back to 2018 about Murray, getting one goalie coach fired and doing the same here. Do some research on the people who cover the team in Pitt. Stuff was written about it and a few sports radio personalities in Pitt came on radio in Ottawa and in other markets talking about Murray's issues. That's why I said PD and others didn't do their homework when acquiring him. No GM would give out a contract like that to a goalie, both $ and term these days.

So Murray wont play this weekend yet we still don't know what the injury is! Hmmm....like I said earlier, DJ has given us daily updates back in October about Murray being sick, told us other injuries he was nursing too.....something truly isn't right here on this one!

So Murray wont play this weekend yet we still don't know what the injury is! Hmmm....like I said earlier, DJ has given us daily updates back in October about Murray being sick, told us other injuries he was nursing too.....something truly isn't right here on this one!
- Kevin Francis

The guys hit his head with the knee. I think Murray have a neck issue. Every time someone hit his head, he miss some game

Yes true, but I was also saying, who gets rid of a guy with 2 Cups, in his prime? Well it was because Murray was demanding a big contract and Pitt still had control of him with his last year RFA. But then PD bit on it. Didnt do his background on him! Just incredible!
- Kevin Francis

Yeah I agree ☝️ PD is a joke 😂

The guys hit his head with the knee. I think Murray have a neck issue. Every time someone hit his head, he miss some game
- Crosside

You gotta admit, it's so bizarre how DJ tonight didn't say anything about what the issue is, Murray took the entire morning skate, moved well, took shots, etc...now he is out tomorrow too. You might be right, with regards to what the issue is, but for the first time DJ hasn't said what the injury is.

You gotta admit, it's so bizarre how DJ tonight didn't say anything about what the issue is, Murray took the entire morning skate, moved well, took shots, etc...now he is out tomorrow too. You might be right, with regards to what the issue is, but for the first time DJ hasn't said what the injury is.
- Kevin Francis

I have listen DJ this morning and I have not pay attention to this. For me this is pretty clear that this was his first practice and I think DJ said, he wants Murray and Chabot 100% healthy

[quote=SENSible_Fan]
Where did I say Murray wasn't the problem? And it's not speculation, it was written about going back to 2018 about Murray, getting one goalie coach fired and doing the same here. Do some research on the people who cover the team in Pitt. Stuff was written about it and a few sports radio personalities in Pitt came on radio in Ottawa and in other markets talking about Murray's issues. That's why I said PD and others didn't do their homework when acquiring him. No GM would give out a contract like that to a goalie, both $ and term these days.
- Kevin Francis

You criticized the organization when Murray was sent down to the AHL. You've also said on numerous occasions that DJ was the problem on this, and many other issues with the team's play. You've never really laid blame on Murray. You've questioned whether he was really injured as it might be a way to show his displeasure at DJ. But in doing so, you laid blame on DJ for pissing off Murray. You have a strange way of going about things. Criticizing one side but leaving yourself an exit in case the narrative swings the other way.

It would be interesting to see what homework was done before locking Murray up to a longterm deal. Maybe Dorion thought it was an isolated, Pittsburgh thing.

I still find it weird that a team and coaching staff would essentially give up on a player, even when he is performing well to "get out". Then again, it's weird to pull yourself from games due to "injuries" or "illnesses".

I'm no psychiatrist, but seems like Murray could use some time away from the game to evaluate his career, rather than stringing things along. Guys like Price and Rask have done that. It's not a new thing.

The organization does not deserve to be free from criticism on this. It's just easier to address one player instead of a whole roster and coaching staff. The way the organization has handled Murray is nothing to aspire to.

At the end of the day, this is a young team and guys with previous NHL success don't necessarily fit in easily. Strange time for sure. Hopefully Dorion can pull a horseshoe out of his ass and find a deal that works for the Sens and Murray. It's really too bad though, seeing Murray play well, you start to pull for the guy after his struggles.

They need to sit Tierny a couple games and jbrown 🤦‍♂️ My god they are brutal soon as they touch puck they kill the play 🤷‍♂️

Great response. Thank you.

It would be interesting to see what homework was done before locking Murray up to a longterm deal. Maybe Dorion thought it was an isolated, Pittsburgh thing.

I still find it weird that a team and coaching staff would essentially give up on a player, even when he is performing well to "get out". Then again, it's weird to pull yourself from games due to "injuries" or "illnesses".

I'm no psychiatrist, but seems like Murray could use some time away from the game to evaluate his career, rather than stringing things along. Guys like Price and Rask have done that. It's not a new thing.

The organization does not deserve to be free from criticism on this. It's just easier to address one player instead of a whole roster and coaching staff. The way the organization has handled Murray is nothing to aspire to.

At the end of the day, this is a young team and guys with previous NHL success don't necessarily fit in easily. Strange time for sure. Hopefully Dorion can pull a horseshoe out of his ass and find a deal that works for the Sens and Murray. It's really too bad though, seeing Murray play well, you start to pull for the guy after his struggles.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

It could very well be a mental health issue with Murray but until he is ready to deal with it and ask for help, what is the organization suppose to do? We don't know the full story but his behavior (sudden illnesses and quick recoveries) sure points in that direction. Sure would explain why the Pens moved on from him.

This is a little off topic but I have been reading a fair number of comments in various places voicing praise for the play of Brannstrom. This confounds me but I am willing to listen so can anyone please explain to me how Brannstrom can possibly be seen to be a good NHL defenseman; or forget about the good part and just make it an NHL defenseman.

This is a little off topic but I have been reading a fair number of comments in various places voicing praise for the play of Brannstrom. This confounds me but I am willing to listen so can anyone please explain to me how Brannstrom can possibly be seen to be a good NHL defenseman; or forget about the good part and just make it an NHL defenseman.
- Whatisavailable

I'm of the same opinion as you. I don't get the love for the guy. Sure he can look good in the attacking zone but his shot is often blocked, or rather, he thinks he can shoot the puck through sticks, skates and legs. He is horrible defensively. At the very least, he shouldn't be playing in the Top-4 and should probably just be a PP specialist.

As a pens fan, the buckley/bales thing was terrible to watch unfold. The better goalie coach was forced out. At least the pens helped him get the next job in carolina. But the goalie coach hand picked by murray should have been left on the runway after the last 2 islanders series. He didnt leave with Murray (as we had hoped) and tried to wreck jarry and desmith last year. Now that he is gone and they promoted chiodo, jarrys save % is back over .920.

Ridly Greig named player of the week in WHL
(3rd best Points per game in the entire league; slightly better than connor bedard)

https://whl.ca/article/se...ed-whl-player-of-the-week

On the topic of Murray being a locker room cancer and other critiques about why no information is coming out on his status, I would put forward that the main reason why he is not playing and no one is talking about it is to do the thing most professional sports teams seem completely incapable of doing in the 21st century - respecting a player's privacy and waiting for them to drop some bombshell good news.

Murray isn't injured (not in a significant way, anyway) but was going through a very important and likely stressful situation for the last week up until today, and the team was giving him the respect and latitude to be away with his family while they were in the process of going through a very important life moment, experiencing the birth of his second child.

If I was a professional athlete, no way I would want that out in the media in advance or having my character called into question because I was doing the things necessary to be a supportive partner and helping them manage with whatever they needed or are dealing with in terms of side effects from late-stage pregnancies.

One thing about the Sens I have always respected is that they have a family-comes-first approach to handling staff and players. They respected Craig Anderson's privacy and need for time away to help his wife with her cancer treatment, they were very supportive of Erik Karlsson when he went through all the hardships of losing his first child prior to them being born, and they keep their mouths shut and don't touch it with a 10 foot clown pole while they are going through the difficult challenges they experience until the player is ready to confirm any announcements.

Full credit to Dorion, DJ Smith and others in the Sens PR department for keeping this on the down low so Matt Murray had the time away from work he needed to focus on what matters. Congrats to the Matt Murray and his wife on the birth of their new child today, as announced on the TSN broadcast during the Sens-Wild game.

Often there are non-locker room drama issues playing a role in the background that make things a lot more understandable in context once they are known. Why didn't any of your sources indicate this was one of the factors at play, Kevin? They are either completely out of the loop or have a ton of class by respecting Murray's wishes to try and not be a distraction.

Lotta drama over nothing for days in this column and its comment thread. Hope Murray can come back and deliver some more great performances while riding high on the feeling of being a proud papa and steal some games down the stretch.

On the topic of Murray being a locker room cancer and other critiques about why no information is coming out on his status, I would put forward that the main reason why he is not playing and no one is talking about it is to do the thing most professional sports teams seem completely incapable of doing in the 21st century - respecting a player's privacy and waiting for them to drop some bombshell good news.

Murray isn't injured (not in a significant way, anyway) but was going through a very important and likely stressful situation for the last week up until today, and the team was giving him the respect and latitude to be away with his family while they were in the process of going through a very important life moment, experiencing the birth of his second child.

If I was a professional athlete, no way I would want that out in the media in advance or having my character called into question because I was doing the things necessary to be a supportive partner and helping them manage with whatever they needed or are dealing with in terms of side effects from late-stage pregnancies.

One thing about the Sens I have always respected is that they have a family-comes-first approach to handling staff and players. They respected Craig Anderson's privacy and need for time away to help his wife with her cancer treatment, they were very supportive of Erik Karlsson when he went through all the hardships of losing his first child prior to them being born, and they keep their mouths shut and don't touch it with a 10 foot clown pole while they are going through the difficult challenges they experience until the player is ready to confirm any announcements.

Full credit to Dorion, DJ Smith and others in the Sens PR department for keeping this on the down low so Matt Murray had the time away from work he needed to focus on what matters. Congrats to the Matt Murray and his wife on the birth of their new child today, as announced on the TSN broadcast during the Sens-Wild game.

Often there are non-locker room drama issues playing a role in the background that make things a lot more understandable in context once they are known. Why didn't any of your sources indicate this was one of the factors at play, Kevin? They are either completely out of the loop or have a ton of class by respecting Murray's wishes to try and not be a distraction.

Lotta drama over nothing for days in this column and its comment thread. Hope Murray can come back and deliver some more great performances while riding high on the feeling of being a proud papa and steal some games down the stretch.



- Zuuuuuuuuuuuuuub

He left the STL game with an apparent injury. I guess you arent going to address it or all the other issues he has caused? sure this weekend he was dealing with the birth of his son, but what I talked about had everything that has gone with him since November and leading up to the STL game!

As a pens fan, the buckley/bales thing was terrible to watch unfold. The better goalie coach was forced out. At least the pens helped him get the next job in carolina. But the goalie coach hand picked by murray should have been left on the runway after the last 2 islanders series. He didnt leave with Murray (as we had hoped) and tried to wreck jarry and desmith last year. Now that he is gone and they promoted chiodo, jarrys save % is back over .920.
- i'mjustafan

Well said my friend! If Ottawa could move him they would! They didn't their homework, when it was reported on as well both in the print media and on the radio down in Pitt.