The Senators yesterday announced that GM Bryan Murray is "battling cancer," according to Wayne Scanlan of the OTTAWA CITIZEN. The team "declined to specify the type of cancer or the nature of treatment involved, but did inform fans and media that a contingency plan is in place if Murray has to spend time away from the team's operations." The Senators and Murray have "asked that the public respect his wish for privacy and say there will be no further comment on the matter." Rumors about the health of Murray "have been circulating for days." Murray at the recent NHL entry draft in Philadelphia was "fighting a persistent cough" and when he spoke to reporters last Tuesday following the trade of C Jason Spezza, he "looked exhausted and had visibly lost weight." Senators Dir of Player Personnel Pierre Dorion and Dir of Player Development & Hockey Operations Randy Lee this past season were given "joint assistant GM" titles. Lee became the club’s liaison to the AHL farm team in Binghamton, N.Y., while Dorion "handled many player contracts." The two may now "be asked to handle an increased workload if Murray has to miss time" (OTTAWA CITIZEN, 7/8).
SUPPORT SYSTEM: In Ottawa, Don Brennan writes Murray is "tough-as-nails" and "one of the best men you'll find in hockey." Brennan: "It also won’t come as a surprise when Murray gives cancer a severe beating." Meanwhile, Murray "received plenty of support on Twitter." SI.com's Michael Farber wrote, "Thinking of Bryan Murray after his cancer diagnosis....one of the pillars of the NHL." Predators C Mike Fisher, a former Senator, tweeted, "Praying for Bryan Murray as he battles cancer right now. If anyone can beat it it's him!" Senators play-by-play announcer Dean Brown wrote, "Sens GM Bryan Murray diagnosed with cancer. The battle begins. He is one of the toughest guys I've ever met. My money is on Bryan" (OTTAWA SUN, 7/8).
