does murray linger on?

Former Bruin forward, Glen Murray, bought out by the Bruins this past summer, may be entitled to his full contract value after all, sources are saying.

The issue will revolve around whether Murray left the club with a pre-existing ankle injury (in which case he's entitled to full contract value), or whether he told the Bruins (and other clubs) that he was perfectly healthy.

The whole scenario seems reminiscent of that of Alexei Zhamnov, who signed to the B's for big money in 2005-2006, played a total of 24 under-whelming games, and still received his full contract over several seasons. A situation that (coupled with some dubious management decisions) hamstrung the Bruins' salary cap for two seaons.

Now finally free of the Zhamnov contract, and seemingly free of a rapidly-aging former sniper and his full contract, the Bruins may be forced to pay up, despite apparently operating in good faith with Murray.

It is an especially tricky situation, given that the Bruins currently sit with only about $680, 000 in cap space....and the persistent rumour that they are pursuing free-agent Brendan Shanahan.

The Bruins play the Leafs this evening.

glen murray gone

As has been written about here and so many other places, the Bruins have ended their relationship with forward Glen Murray.

A tough decision that apparently neither party enjoyed, the Bruins send Murray to Free Agency and move into the 2008-2009 season a little younger and a little faster.

We will wait to see if they are a little better.

Muzz will be missed.

the problem with glen murray

As the Bruins club moves forward (no pun) they need to address what the are going to do with Glen "Muzz" Murray.

Murray was acquired from the LA Kings in the Jason Allison trade of 2001. He went on to put up 92 points in 2002-2003, and 60 points in 2003-2004, being named to the All-Star game in both seasons. Great trade!

However, his point production has slipped precipitously since that time, declining each year as his games-lost-to-injury increase.

He was not a fast skater when the Bruins originally drafted him in 1991, and he's getting slower as I'm typing. What's that sound? It's Glen Murray grinding to a halt. He all-but disappeared in the 7 playoff games against the Habs in 2008, and I think his days as a Bruin should be disappearing as well.

He's known as a sharp-shooter - a scorer - which is a rare skill in the NHL. However, to maintain that reputation, it is important to continue scoring. Last year's statistics show that Murray was outpaced by 7 other players, including 2 defensemen, and his point totals barely edge out those of PJ Alexsson, who is known universally as a checking forward.

Murray's salary ($4.15 million) could be better spent elsewhere in the Bruins organization (possibly re-directed in part toward retaining the under-appreciated Glen Metropolit, a heart-and-soul player making $500,000 - who actually played more games and had more points than Glen Murray). For that reason, I think the Bruins organization should be looking to trade Murray to another club.

Make no mistake, Glen Murray's been a great Bruin, is a quality person, and has a skillset that deserves ice time. He should be thanked for his efforts for the B's, and given the chance to bring his skills to another club. Hopefully, another team will be looking for exactly the qualities that Murray brings, going into the 2008-2009 season.