2011-2012 SEASON (37-22-5)
Alfredsson Remains Senator
Murray makes huge statement to NHL at the deadline
Bryan Murray met with press after 2012 Trade Deadline.
"I'd like to start off by thanking Craig Anderson, Colin Greening,
Nick Foligno and Matt Gilroy for there services. Its never an easy
task to have to move players, but unfortunately that's part of the
game. Myself and the Ottawa Senators would like to wish them
the best of luck in the future."
"As for our additions, we are proud to welcome Marian Gaborik,
Antoine Vermette and Anton Stralman to Ottawa. We went into
the deadline looking to improve our top 6, and that's what we
achieved, along with an upgrade on defense."
--------------------------------------------------------------
Local radio station the Team 1200 was able to catch up
with Murray later that day for some questions.
--------------------------------------------------------------
1200: "First off, I believe this was on everyone's mind. How close
were you to dealing Alfie?"
BM: "I spoke to Daniel weeks leading up to the deadline, and he felt
as though we had a good squad here, and we had a chance to
make some noise in the playoffs. He wasn't looking to be moved,
and we had no interest in moving him."
1200: "What about what we heard about him open to being
moved to more of a contender?"
BM: "Nothing but a rumor. Currently we sit in 1st place in the East,
I think we're pretty good contenders, especially after today."
1200: "Trading Anderson is a deal I don't think anyone saw coming.
Care to explain how that came about?"
BM: "We weren't looking to move Craig, but Phoenix was very
interested in him. We felt as though Robin (Lehner) was ready to
make the jump to the NHL, and having Ben (Bishop) and Robin as
a 1A 1B goal-tending tandem will be more then capable of the work
load. Ben and Robin were two of the top AHL goalies last year,
and while they aren't experienced as NHL goalies, Lehner won MVP
honors just last year helping Binghamton to the Calder Cup."
1200: "Add how did Vermette come into all this?"
BM: "Obviously Antoine is a player we are very familiar with. His
great leadership and defensive play is something that is going to
be great to help out with the young kids in the future, along with
our playoff push."
1200: "Last but certainly not least, Gaborik and Stralman. Two
huge players heading over. How did you pull this off?"
BM: "Heading into the deadline, we were looking for two main
things. An upgrade in the top 6, and help with our defense core.
We were able to address both needs in a deal. Marian's season
so far (23 goals in 61 games) isn't quite what New York was hoping
from him, and we were able to strike a deal. With him playing with
Spezza, were hoping he can bounce back to 40 goal form in time
for the playoffs. We're also hoping the addition of him and Stralman
can help wonders on our power-play."
1200: "Does trying to get Alfredsson a cup come into play at all
with this move?"
BM: "We're always looking to improve on our team. We're aware
Daniel's time with the team may be not for much longer, but it
didn't come into play."
1200: Well that's all the time we have for today. Thank you very
much for coming in on what must be a hectic day for you Bryan.
BM: Always a pleasure.