The Florida Panthers lost one of their own yesterday evening, as former GM/Head Coach Bryan Murray passes away at 74 years of age.
Not only was it a sad day for the Panthers, but for the rest of hockey as well. Bryan Murray fought colon cancer for three years (since 2014) and took his last breath on August 12th, 2017. Murray’s public fight against cancer while working in the Sens front office will never be forgotten.
Murray started off his coaching career with the Washington Capitals. Serving the team for seven straight years, Bryan led the team to the postseason every single year (except for the first year). Unfortunately, his team did not go beyond the second round during his stay in DC. Furthermore, he received the Jack Adams Award for coach of the year in 1984. He would conclude his stay in the nation’s capital during the 89-90 season (fired).
After his long tenure with the Washington Capitals, Bryan became the Head Coach and General Manager of the Detroit Red Wings. During his three years in motor city, he brought the team to the playoffs each year. Unfortunately, he couldn’t get by the second round.
Following his departure from Detroit, Murray was named General Manager of the Florida Panthers in 1994 (expansion team). In 1996, he saw the team reach the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time in franchise history. Despite being swept by the Colorado Avalanche, he was later selected as NHL Executive of the Year. Bryan also coached the Panthers for part of the 97-98 season before leaving.
Next, he joined the Anaheim Ducks as their new Coach for the 01-02 season. During his first and only season as Head Coach for the Ducks, he failed to lead his team to the playoffs. Shortly after, Murray became the GM of the Ducks from 2002-2004. Since being named GM, the team quickly made the postseason and reached the finals in 2003 (02-03 season). Murray surprised many after the disappointing 03-04 season, by stepping down as General Manager.
Bryan decided to move to Ottawa, to become Head Coach of the Senators. In 05-06 (first year with the Sens), the team lost in the Conference Semifinals. His second season with the Sens is easily his most memorable year in his career. It was the first year ever (as a coach), where Bryan Murray’s team moved beyond the second round. In result, his team made it to the Stanley Cup Finals, ultimately losing to the Ducks in five games.
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The 07-08 season would be his last behind the bench in Ottawa. The team ended up crashing in the first round. Former Sens GM John Muckler was later fired and was replaced with Bryan Murray. Murray would spend nine years as the General Manager of the Ottawa Senators, thus ending his stay in 2016. Following his time in Ottawa, Bryan was inducted into the Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame.
Bryan Murray will not only be remembered for his time around the rink, but for his courageous fight against stage four colon cancer. He was not only an important hockey figure, but he was an even better person overall.