Mar 7, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Nashville Predators center
Mike Fisher(12) during the second period against the Winnipeg Jets at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
A few days ago I wrote an article talking about Bryan Murray’s five worst trades as Ottawa’s general manager. Some people were upset that I was only showing the bad with Murray and not the good, but alas I’m here today to show that I do support him. Like I’ve always said, he’s made some questionable moves as the GM but also some very shrewd ones.
So here are Murray’s five best trades as General Manager in ascending order. There have been some very good ones.
1. Acquired a 1st round pick (Stefan Noesen) and a 3rd round pick (Jarrod Maidens) from Nashville for Mike Fisher
Noesen is no longer in Ottawa, and Maidens is no longer playing hockey, but it doesn’t matter who Ottawa drafted with those picks. The fact that Murray was able to get a 1st and a 3rd for a 2nd/3rd line centre is fantastic. Fisher has played well in Nashville, and I’m happy for him. I’m glad he got to go where he wanted to go, and I’m sure the Predators are happy with the move.
But at the time of the trade, it was fantastic value for Murray and the Senators. If there was a different scouting team Ottawa would have ended up with different players and perhaps the trade would look much better. Still though, who they drafted shouldn’t really be attached as part of the trade, because the Predators wouldn’t have drafted these exact players. Instead, I think it was great asset management that Murray was able to get two good picks in exchange for Fisher.