Murray Sends Message With Cogliano Trade
By Michael Walters
After the Ducks 11th straight loss last night, General Manager Bob Murray issued the following statement:
“While it’s not my preference to make comments on this topic during the season, our recent play has led to many questions. Our fans are frustrated, rightfully so, and deserve a response from me.
At this time, I am not considering a coaching change. I am more focused on our players, specifically with who is going to step up in this situation. The way we played tonight was a step in the right direction, but we need much, more. We have higher expectations for this group, and they should expect more from themselves.”
Today the Anaheim Ducks announced that they traded Andrew Cogliano to the Dallas Stars for Devin Shore. Cogliano had three goals and eight assists in 46 games with the Ducks this season. Overall Cogliano spent seven and a half seasons in Anaheim totaling 233 points(103 G + 130 A).
Analysis
From an emotional point of view, it’s frustrating that Cogliano got traded. He brings his all at every practice and every game. He is a well-liked player and person for his commitment and hard work that he exudes to the sport of hockey. He had affectionately been known to all in Anaheim and around the league as the “ironman”. His streak was cut short at 830 games last year on this date for an illegal check, which many felt only warranted a fine, not a suspension. It’s unfortunate to see a fan favorite get shipped out.
From an organizational standpoint, Murray has added a similar style of player with slightly better numbers. Shore appeared in 42 games with Dallas registering 17 total points(5 G + 12 A). Murray also added youth to the team as Shore is 24 and seven years younger than Cogliano. Looking at his contract, Shore has one more year on his deal after this season and is also an RFA, which is appealing to Murray because he has more control over his future. Cogliano was going to be a UFA in 2021-22 and his contract also cost almost a $1 million per year than Shore’s. So in Murray’s eyes, he got a similar player that is younger, more affordable, and possibly able to produce more offensively.
The bottom line is Murray followed up his statement from last night by sending a message with this trade. As he stated he isn’t going to focus on the coach to turn this ship around. He believes it’s the players that need to step up and if someone isn’t in his mind, then they can be shipped out even if they are a fan favorite.
If someone else is going to get moved, then the question is who will it be?
Jakob Silfverberg‘s name came up at the beginning of the season and it appears to have resurfaced in a few rumors today. Ducks fans hold on to your hockey sticks tightly, the ride is going to continue to be bumpy until the end of the season.
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January 14th, 2019