[News] Smid done for the season. UPD: Douglas Murray's tryout expires.

[sureLoss]

http://calgaryherald.com/sports/hock...l-tryout-basis

Brad Treliving ensured that Douglas Murray’s presence on Friday is a tryout — nothing more, nothing less.

“That’s really all it is,” said the Calgary Flames general manager addressing the media shortly after announcing that the former San Jose Shark defenceman had joined the club on a professional tryout. “Quite frankly, at this time of the year, we’re on a sprint until the finish. We’re going to take a look at Doug over the course of the next few days and see if there’s a chance he can help us down the stretch.”

Treliving made it clear that the signing of Murray was not meant as a threat to the dressing room and there is no timeline on Murray’s debut.

“This group has pushed us to this point,” he said. “But we’re just looking at all avenues and ways we can add, potentially, a little depth.”

The Flames’ European scouts had been watching Murray who skated eight games in Germany with the DEL’s Cologne Sharks, improving his fitness level.

“If you look at his history, he’s a big body, able to kill penalties,” Treliving said. “The question, quite frankly, is the foot speed over the last little bit. We’ll see. We’re going to take a look here and if he can help us, great. But if not, no harm, no foul.”

A veteran of 518 NHL games — and not a single one in 2014-15 — Murray said he was faced with a huge wake-up call when, all of a sudden, he found himself without an employer.

“I never took anything for granted, that’s not what I’m saying,” said the 35-year-old from Bromma, Sweden who studied and played at Cornell University. “But your appreciation comes to a whole new level. I’ve always been committed but you realize you have to work that much harder.”

Curious scribes wanted to know how much he’s being paid to be with the Flames (currently situated between Karri Ramo, Raphael Diaz, and Jonas Hiller in the dressing room).

“Zero dollars,” he said. “To be honest with you, I don’t really care. I’m not here for the money right now. That’s the least of my worries.”

Murray’s agent reached out to a handful of NHL teams to say he’s ready, in shape, and wants to play. The Flames presents a chance to resuccsitate his NHL career — one step at a time.

“Well, first of all, I need a contract,” he said. “That’s step No.1. No promises have been made. Obviously it’s about opportunity. I’m going to come in and be a professional and be part of the team. I’ll be ready to play and support my teammates like I always do.”

[Phanuthier]

great quotes

mini-hijack, I love those comments on Kris Russell (farm boy), Hudler (coach of his line) and the line "great players don't make great teams, great people make great teams"

[Geeoff]

If he signs, would he have to go through waivers?

[getbak]

Originally Posted by Geeoff

If he signs, would he have to go through waivers?

Since he played in Europe this year, I believe so. However, it would be a jerk move for another team to claim him just to prevent the Flames from playing him (and I doubt any team would be worried that he'll do much to improve the Flames' chances to succeed down the stretch).

[Freeway]

Not NHL playoff eligible, not AHL playoff eligible either.

[icarus]

Where's calgARI aka Andy Bernard with some Cornell love for Murray?


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[Otto29]

Im sure this is just because the Flames want someone with "stretch run" experience on D in case more dmen drop. Already lost one and a half d-men (Yeah...SMID is the half) so ensuring a veteran presence is all they want

[calgARI]

Originally Posted by icarus

Where's calgARI aka Andy Bernard with some Cornell love for Murray?


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Would be first Cornell alum on flames since Nieuwendyk. Best dman in Cornell history.

[DoubleF]

I'm randomly curious... I wonder if Murray could potentially be a special practice for practicing heavy board play (ie: Murray is going to protect the puck. Go steal it). I still remember that LA game where they would pin and manhandle guys like Byron against the boards. Practicing avoiding being hit by Murray sounds like a bad idea overall even if our players are capable of dodging it. We brought in a body for insurance, why would we use him in a way that would possibly cause injury when it's one of the biggest worries we have right now.

At 6'3 and 245lbs (or would it be 230?), that's a workout and great practice against other heavy teams! And Murray could practice puck possession + conditioning. Win win?

Thank you all for dealing with the DoubleF talking out of his ass with no idea what he's talking about session!

I also have no ideas what type of special exercises (other than basic skill drills) are practiced in practice.

[The Swedish Flame]

My first reaction when I saw this (in a Swedish paper) was "what the hell are we supposed to do with a pylon?"

Upon further reflection, I guess that there isn't any real downside to have him try out.

[Steve Bozek]

I like Smid as a 5-6 defenseman. Hope the recovery goes well.

[Sylvanfan]

I can't help but think of Down goes Brown's Hockey Canada 2010 welcome song.

Is Murray even Sweedish? How about Johnny Oduya?

He is a big body, but he was too slow for the NHL two years ago, and I honestly think the speed of the game today has increased since that time.

[Hackey]

I used to think Murray was a good dman at one point, unfortunately that point isn't now.

[sureLoss]

Conroy on 960:

tried to get depth on D at the deadline, but time ran out... tried to get some guys to waive NTC
prices were too high on some guys too
Brad decided to think outside the box to add to D depth

if Wotherspoon or Cundari get called up they would have no problem with it, but would hate it if they just sat around and not played

want to see Wotherspoon play with more urgency, has gotten better as the season went along
just hasn't gotten the opportunity to play in the NHL this season

[Phanuthier]

ya looks like this is plan B for not being able to get a D during the trade deadline

BTW anyone have video of the Depres cheap shot?

[Rerun]

What do we lose if it doesn't work out? NOTHING!

No downside whatsoever. Only upside. Good play on Treliving's part.

[burn_this_city]

Poor Smidy, such a warrior. Feel bad for him, always hurt because he isn't afraid to sacrifice the body.

[landshark]

This is one smart hockey player. It was fun watching him developed over the years in SJ. First time I saw him, he could hit LIKE THUNDER... and get out of position and into trouble. The next year, he could still hit like thunder, but then get back into position. Every year, he improved his game. The guy knows his deficiencies and also learned how to cover for them. For about 2.5 seasons, he was a true top pair D and my, GOD was it fun to watch.

Trading him for two seconds was an amazing trick by Wilson - Murray was falling and falling fast. I really doubt he'll make the team barring a disaster (but if there IS a disaster, it'll be good to have him around.)

He can teach the youngsters a thing or two while he's around. A really good man to have around in general. Glad to see him back in the NHL if only in a supporting role. It's win/win for CGY here.

[The Original FFIV]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

Conroy on 960:

tried to get depth on D at the deadline, but time ran out... tried to get some guys to waive NTC
prices were too high on some guys too
Brad decided to think outside the box to add to D depth

if Wotherspoon or Cundari get called up they would have no problem with it, but would hate it if they just sat around and not played

want to see Wotherspoon play with more urgency, has gotten better as the season went along
just hasn't gotten the opportunity to play in the NHL this season

I know people scoffed when Bryan Allen's name was thrown out there and surprised we couldn't have got him for free given Montreal's cap situation. Could have made a deal for Erixon with Chicago prior to him hitting waivers too for next to nothing as well. Treliving must have known that Smid's prognosis wasn't good and it's a shame we couldn't have picked up some depth before deadline. Good for him doing something though.

[The Original FFIV]

Thinking outside the box here, but we could sign a college UFa who might be NHL ready and have them for the stretch run and the playoffs, correct? Kind of what Detroit did with Dekeyser a few years back. Question is, is there a NHL ready dman out there?