Former Bruins How good was Glen Murray?

[Ladyfan]

I saw this somewhere...

All in all, Glen Murray, in my opinion, is a guy that doesn’t get nearly enough respect from current Bruin fans. He was a great player for the Bruins in the early 2000s in a retooling era that eventually led to Boston’s first Cup since 1972. Is he a Bruins legend with the likes of Bourque, Neely, Orr, or Esposito? Probably not, but he was an excellent player, and I don’t think people of my generation appreciate him for what he was.

 

[Ladyfan]

ByLA Kings
LAKings.com
October 13, 2022

The LA Kings have promoted Nelson Emerson (Assistant General Manager), Glen Murray (Senior Director of Player Personnel) and Derik Johnson (Skills Coach), along with the addition of Andy Johnson (U.S. Scout) to the amateur scouting staff, Shane Bennett (Data Engineer) to the research and development group, and Sara Hickmann as Director of Mental Performance and Clinical Services. In addition, Aaron Cooney has been named Manager of Hockey Communications and Justin Cummings is the Hockey Communications Specialist.

Glen Murray
Murray has held multiple roles in the Player Development department dating back to 2016, most recently serving as Director of Player Development since 2018. The former Kings forward joined the front office on a part-time basis in 2011-12 during the club's first Stanley Cup championship season. After four-plus seasons as a consultant, he formally joined the Player Development department in 2016. A native of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Murray played 16 seasons in the NHL including his time with the Kings from 1996-02. He played in 1,009 regular-season games and recorded 651 points (337-314=651) with Los Angeles, Boston and Pittsburgh. A two-time All-Star, Murray recorded a career-high in 2002-03 with 44 goals, 48 assists and 92 points in 82 games. He scored as many as 28 goals in a season five different times including a team-high 29 goals with the Kings during the 1997-98 season. His 41 goals in 2001-02 were second-most in the NHL.

 

[CharasLazyWrister]

I've been a Bruins fan since the early 90's, but I can't honestly say I was doing any sort of "evaluating" of players probably until high school (early to mid 2000's). So I really only saw Murray during his "second" tour.

Quite frankly, I don't think he had much at all in the way of assets other than his quick release shot. He benefited hugely from Thornton in putting up decent stats (especially the 92 point year). But it should be mentioned that (much like the reputation Joe got), playoff runs became next to impossible when Glen Murray was relied on as your top goal scorer. Among other issues, of course.

By his last year, it seemed like everything was down the drain. Yes, he was basically immobile by that point (after being a below average skater his entire career), but I remember going to a game at the Garden against the Sens in the 2007-2008 season where Muzz's sole contribution to the game was standing still at the offensive blue line and missing every single pass that came his way. Killed plays better than anyone I've ever seen. It was truly incredible to watch how bad he had become. What's also amazing is that he played in all seven games of the (memorable) first round in the playoffs that year. I went to game 6 and religiously watched every single second of that series and have zero memories of his existence for any of the series.

In short, I was never a "fan" of him beyond the inherent fandom that came from being a Bruins fan. As much as people complain about coaches trying to force "skill" players into more rounded roles, ultra one-dimensional players like Murray just don't do it for me. As soon as the scoring dries up, they're a liability.

 

[KillerMillerTime]

I believe he was the only Bruin to play with the Neely and Bourque Bruins and Bergeron Lucic Bruins.

 

[Ladyfan]

Maybe someday his son will be in the NHL. He looks like his Dad

 

[Ladyfan]

Not in the locker room, but even the least bit of research would tell you that @Ladyfan has season tickets right next to the Bruins bench. As such, she probably has more insight into the players personalities and relationships to each other than anyone not affiliated with the team. Ignore her knowledge at your peril.

Thanks.

 

[DKH]

I liked him, but his second tour here will forever remind me that the Bruins refused to pay Jason Allison and traded him.

Where I’m at 100 % ~ basically the Bruins sent up the white flag

most perfect rod hockey player ever - up and down wing, not physical, big body, big shot, nice guy super upbeat

 

[DaaaaB's]

I liked him, but his second tour here will forever remind me that the Bruins refused to pay Jason Allison and traded him.

Where I’m at 100 % ~ basically the Bruins sent up the white flag

most perfect rod hockey player ever - up and down wing, not physical, big body, big shot, nice guy super upbeat

I hated the trade when it was made but it was a win for Boston in the long run. Besides Allison running into injury problems, we also traded Stumpel back to LA two years later for draft picks including one used to select Martin Karsums who we all know was traded with Matt Lashoff for Mark Recchi and a 2nd Rd pick that was then traded to Florida for Dennis Seidenberg.

 

[TheReal13Linseman]

40 goals twice and 30 even strength goals twice in that era is very underrated. He was a big part of Thornton breaking out, Savard's 96 point season, and he had a big hand in bringing the team together in 07/08. Shots like his were rare before composite sticks took over, he could score from anywhere.

Absolutely loved Glen as a player. Terrific hands, silky and buttery. Could really shoot the puck. Often looked like he was moving in slow motion but before you knew it, the puck was off his blade and in the net. Wish we had a few guys like him now, that’s for sure.

 

[Ladyfan]

Absolutely loved Glen as a player. Terrific hands, silky and buttery. Could really shoot the puck. Often looked like he was moving in slow motion but before you knew it, the puck was off his blade and in the net. Wish we had a few guys like him now, that’s for sure.

I was waiting for your reply.

His son Parker is playing college hockey. See post #55...big kid

 

[SPV]

I was looking at the current NHL and trying to find a guy that I thought was a good comparison, and I think it’s Tyler Toffoli.
Looking at their career stats, both guys average 27 goals, 26 assists per 82 games, so pretty spot on.

 

[TheReal13Linseman]

I was waiting for your reply.

His son Parker is playing college hockey. See post #55...big kid

You and I are Glen’s biggest fans here, I think, Susan . Loved him.

Wish his son were in BU red rather than Cornell red, but I wish him well, ofc.

Watching these playoffs makes me sad at how far we are away

But, like a lot of us I suppose, rooting for Brad, another guy we both love, to get another Cup.

Hope you and yours are well. See you in Boston next season.

 

[rfournier103]

One of the better goal-scorers the bruins ever drafted. Maybe the best one besides Pastranak. I remember Murray being called up from the Sudbury Wolves and scoring in his first game as a pro. It was a mistake to ever trade him since goal-scoring has been a problem for the bruins for most of the last 40 years.

I loved the guy.

 

[Ladyfan]

You and I are Glen’s biggest fans here, I think, Susan . Loved him.

Wish his son were in BU red rather than Cornell red, but I wish him well, ofc.

Watching these playoffs makes me sad at how far we are away

But, like a lot of us I suppose, rooting for Brad, another guy we both love, to get another Cup.

Hope you and yours are well. See you in Boston next season.

There were a few others as well. Folks at the Garden liked Muzz. I believe @smithformeragent was a fan too.

I hope all is well with you and your family! Kids must be growing up fast.

 

[bruwinz73]

Good goal scorer but really a coat tail player. By the end it was torture watching him “play”. Maybe injured but many here defended him blindly when he was clearly struggling.

 

[quietbruinfan]

I re

ByLA Kings
LAKings.com
October 13, 2022

The LA Kings have promoted Nelson Emerson (Assistant General Manager), Glen Murray (Senior Director of Player Personnel) and Derik Johnson (Skills Coach), along with the addition of Andy Johnson (U.S. Scout) to the amateur scouting staff, Shane Bennett (Data Engineer) to the research and development group, and Sara Hickmann as Director of Mental Performance and Clinical Services. In addition, Aaron Cooney has been named Manager of Hockey Communications and Justin Cummings is the Hockey Communications Specialist.

Glen Murray
Murray has held multiple roles in the Player Development department dating back to 2016, most recently serving as Director of Player Development since 2018. The former Kings forward joined the front office on a part-time basis in 2011-12 during the club's first Stanley Cup championship season. After four-plus seasons as a consultant, he formally joined the Player Development department in 2016. A native of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Murray played 16 seasons in the NHL including his time with the Kings from 1996-02. He played in 1,009 regular-season games and recorded 651 points (337-314=651) with Los Angeles, Boston and Pittsburgh. A two-time All-Star, Murray recorded a career-high in 2002-03 with 44 goals, 48 assists and 92 points in 82 games. He scored as many as 28 goals in a season five different times including a team-high 29 goals with the Kings during the 1997-98 season. His 41 goals in 2001-02 were second-most in the NHL.

I remember reading he had a couple of Jobs in the Kings' organization, but did not know he made it to the top of player personnel. I only remember that he bought a high rise and liked to surf. Ironic how much he and OC influenced each other's careers over a 20 year period.

 

[quietbruinfan]

disagree. You clearly never saw him play.

Muzz was on the team when I first had ST.

If you are referring to me, I saw his whole career, almost every single Bruin game.

 

[Ladyfan]

If you are referring to me, I saw his whole career, almost every single Bruin game.

Not referring to you.

He was far better than some gave him credit for.

 

[Ladyfan]

I re

I remember reading he had a couple of Jobs in the Kings' organization, but did not know he made it to the top of player personnel. I only remember that he bought a high rise and liked to surf. Ironic how much he and OC influenced each other's careers over a 20 year period.

By Nathan Anderson... (this is how I see Muzz)

Recently it struck me that a lot of people in my generation might not remember Glen Murray. He did stop playing in 2008, so most people around my age were still very young. The Bruins also weren’t what they are now, so fewer people who weren’t diehard fans would have been tuning in for games.

When I realized this, I thought it might be nice to give people a refresher about who Glen Murray was. So many people think of Sergei Samsonov and Joe Thornton when they think about the Bruins before their success. What people don’t recall, though, is how good Glen Murray was! I’m here to try and change that and spread some awareness about the legend (maybe a bit of hyperbole) of Glen Murray.

When I looked back at his career, one thing I wasn’t aware of was that Murray was actually drafted by the Bruins way back in 1991. His first stint with the Bruins wasn’t as successful as he and Bruins fans would have hoped, however, as he scored just 49 points in 148 games before being traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1995. He spent seven years away from the Bruins before rejoining the team in the 2001-2002 season after being traded from the Kings for Jason Allison.

In his return, Murray put up a staggering 35 goals in 73 games with the Bruins. He also added 25 assists for a total of 60 points that season. Added to the six goals, five assists, and 11 points he had for the Kings that season, Murray achieved his first 40 goal season in 01/02.

The following season, in 2002-2003, Murray had the best season of his career. He had his second 40 goal season, scoring 44. He also nearly doubled his assist numbers, finishing with 48 helpers for a total of 92 points. That performance was good enough to earn him a spot in his first All-Star Game in 2003, playing for the Eastern Conference.
He took a bit of a step back the following season, scoring just 32 goals and 60 points. He did, however, make his second All-Star Game in 2004. That was the start of Murray’s decline, though, as his point totals dropped in every subsequent year until his contract was bought out by the Bruins in 2008, scoring 53, 45, and 30 points in his final three seasons.

The one thing Murray lacked in his career, whether it was as a member of the Bruins, Penguins, or Kings, was any substantial playoff success. He did make a couple of deep runs but never got to play in the Stanley Cup Final. I do want to give him some credit for helping to set up the Bruins team that would eventually break through and win the Cup in 2011. As a veteran leader on the 2007-2008 team that lost to the Canadiens in seven games, he was a mentor for guys like Patrice Bergeron, David Krejci, and Milan Lucic, who would all play critical roles in bringing the Cup to Boston.

All in all, Glen Murray, in my opinion, is a guy that doesn’t get nearly enough respect from current Bruin fans. He was a great player for the Bruins in the early 2000s in a retooling era that eventually led to Boston’s first Cup since 1972. Is he a Bruins legend with the likes of Bourque, Neely, Orr, or Esposito? Probably not, but he was an excellent player, and I don’t think people of my generation appreciate him for what he was.

 

[rfournier103]

He was far better than some gave him credit for.

absolutely.

He had a nose for the back of the net, which is something that cannot be taught. You either have it, or you don’t.

You can learn to skate better, pass better and check better. You can even learn to fight better. But scoring is God-given, and Murray had it. Too bad the Bruins couldn’t get the job done while he was here.

 

[wintersej]

Brock Boeser

 

[Bradely]

If i think about him any more than THIS memory, I’ll get annoyed.

Nice memory.. love.
That Kovalev was not really........... a heart tough and soul player!!!!