Brian Murray stepping down after 2015-2016

[Jasmine]

It had to come eventually, but it’s heartbreaking to learn that Bryan Murray will no longer be the GM of the Ottawa Senators following the 2015-16 season.

http://www.thehockeynews.com/blog/senators-gm-bryan-murray-stepping-down-after-2015-16-season/

[Josh]

Well, it had to happen at some point. At least he will be making the choice freely and still sees the potential of staying on in an advisory capacity. What a trooper this man is.

I wonder what the timeline will be for naming his replacement..

[Jasmine]

Maybe he is setting the timeline by announcing it now. It gives the Sens exactly one year to start looking..or grooming someone they already have in mind...

[Alfie11]

I think this is the best option for both sides. I think Murray will have some say in his successor. I'm hoping he doesn't just promote an Assistant GM like Randy Lee or Pierre Dorion, though. Neither of them seems qualified, IMO. Hopefully the Sens can bring in a GM who has experience "finishing" a team. As good as Murray has been in Ottawa, and around the league, that was his biggest weakness as a GM. He's given us a ton of youth and potential and talent - now we just need a GM who can turn all of that into a Stanley Cup.

[Josh]

I think this is the best option for both sides. I think Murray will have some say in his successor. I'm hoping he doesn't just promote an Assistant GM like Randy Lee or Pierre Dorion, though. Neither of them seems qualified, IMO. Hopefully the Sens can bring in a GM who has experience "finishing" a team. As good as Murray has been in Ottawa, and around the league, that was his biggest weakness as a GM. He's given us a ton of youth and potential and talent - now we just need a GM who can turn all of that into a Stanley Cup.

I agree with this. Do you you any ideas of who would make the best replacement?

[Alfie11]

I agree with this. Do you you any ideas of who would make the best replacement?

Shero, perhaps? I would have said Chia but he went to Edmonton.

[Josh]

Isn't Shero with New Jersey now?

[Alfie11]

Isn't Shero with New Jersey now?

Oh, I guess so. I'm not really sure who's out there in terms of known finishers.

Brian Burke would be perfect but he has a nice job with the Flames so I don't think he'd want to come here. The Sens might have no choice but to go with an unproven GM (someone who is an assistant GM). I still wouldn't really hand the keys to Dorion or Lee as they don't have a ton of experience in the managing field yet.

[Matt the Aussie]

Sad news.

I still remember, I believe it was 09, when everyone was screaming for Murray's head. I'm so glad that Ottawa stuck with him and we can see the results. There's a great deal of optimism now and Murray no doubt leaves the team much better off.