Ottawa, ON (SportsNetwork.com) - The Ottawa Senators signed general manager Bryan Murray to a two-year contract extension and also named him president of hockey operations.
Upon the conclusion of the extension in 2016, Murray will stay on with the team in an advisory role.
The 71-year-old Murray has been with the franchise since June 2004 when he was named the team's head coach, then took over the general manager's duties on June 18, 2007.
Murray had a record of 100-46-18 as head coach from 2005-07, guiding the Senators to the Stanley Cup Finals in the spring of 2007. He also coached the team for the final 18 games of the 2007-08 campaign after firing John Paddock.
"I am very pleased to have Bryan remain here in Ottawa for the next four years," said Senators owner Eugene Melnyk in a statement Monday. "Without question Bryan stands among the best general managers in the National Hockey League. Our drafting success and the emergence of so many young, dynamic players within our organization is a testament to Bryan's leadership and wealth of hockey knowledge."
Before joining the Senators, Murray served as the senior vice president and general manager for Anaheim. He took over as the Ducks' head coach in 2001 and moved to the front office the following season, building a club that went to the Cup Finals in the spring of 2003.
Murray began his NHL coaching career with the Washington Capitals in November 1981 and captured the Jack Adams Award as Coach of the Year for the 1983-84 campaign. He also guided the 1988-89 Capitals to their first division title in club history.
He is in his 19th season as a GM, having served with the Panthers (1994-2000) and Red Wings (1990-94) before his run in Anaheim.
Also on Monday, the Senators announced that Pierre Dorion and Randy Lee will take on the role of assistant general managers, filling the vacancy left by Tim Murray, who was hired as GM of the Buffalo Sabres last week.
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