Bryan Murray battling cancer; Senators lay out contingency plan
Columnist Steve Simmons dropped a note in his Sunday column, wishing Bryan Murray “best wishes” as he’s “struggling with some health issues.”
Which naturally led many to ask “what healthy issues?” which then led the Ottawa Senators to reveal on Monday that Murray, their president of hockey operations and general manager, is battling cancer.
“Mr. Murray is undergoing further testing and will begin treatment immediately for this condition as prescribed by the team’s doctors in collaboration with specialists.
“Mr. Murray’s treatment schedule may require him to be away from the Senators office periodically. During his periodic absence, assistant general managers Pierre Dorion and Randy Lee will be responsible for managing the Ottawa Senators hockey operations department.
“On behalf of the entire Senators family, the team is asking that the thoughts, prayers and support of the entire hockey community are with Bryan and his family.”
Murray, 71, attended the 2014 NHL Draft in Philadelphia. The Senators declined to reveal the type of cancer Murray is battling.
The situation is reminiscent of that of Glen Sather and the New York Rangers last year, when the veteran GM was diagnosed with prostate cancer and had surgery. Assistant GM Jeff Gorton handled the player personnel duties as Sather was on the mend, including the majority of work during the 2013 NHL trade deadline.
Here’s hoping for a speedy recovery for Murray.
