Pucks of a Feather
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Anaheim Ducks GM Bob Murray fired a warning shot at Corey Perry

By Ed Stein

LAS VEGAS, NV - JUNE 23: Anaheim Ducks general manager Bob Murray meets with the media following the NHL general managers meetings at the Bellagio Las Vegas on June 23, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JUNE 23: Anaheim Ducks general manager Bob Murray meets with the media following the NHL general managers meetings at the Bellagio Las Vegas on June 23, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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Anaheim Ducks General Manager Bob Murray spoke to the media at this weekend’s NHL Entry Draft. He made some strong comments that appear to be directed at Corey Perry.

This Weekend the Anaheim Ducks had an unremarkable draft. They got solid players, but there wasn’t much hype or fanfare. It was a typical business, as usual, draft that we’ve come to expect from the Ducks. The fireworks started after General Manager Bob Murray left the draft floor.

The Quote

"“I think the players better look in the mirror pretty quick. Let’s put it this way. Come September, I’m starting with a real hard look at the leadership group. And we’ll work from that.” – Bob Murray to Eric Stephens in “The Athletic”"

Process of Elimination

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Initially, there are three people this could apply to, Captain Ryan Getzlaf, and/or Alternate Captains Corey Perry, and Ryan Kesler. It’s fair to say Kesler gets a pass for two reasons. First, he was injured for the opening three months of the season. Two when he did come back to the lineup on December 27, he was an example of what guts and character are in action, playing in pain through the end of the season.

Turning attention to Ryan Getzlaf, it’s possible to find a few flaws with his captaincy. Getzlaf isn’t a fiery personality, so he doesn’t have a “Mark Messier” leadership style. Additionally, at times it feels like Getzlaf can’t wrangle his teammates in when they go off the deep end, especially when the Ducks are behind.

What the Ducks have in Getzlaf is a lead by example, do as I do captain. He leaves it all out on the ice every night and is either the first or second most productive player on the team. In reality, Getzlaf is a captain that most teams in the league would love to have. The full weight of Murray’s comments wasn’t pointed at him.

CP10

That leaves Corey Perry. In my opinion, he deserves some scrutiny of his leadership. On the plus side, he’ll always defend a teammate. When Perry is productive, his benefits outweigh his indiscretions. Over the last four seasons, he’s averaged 54 points. including 49 points in 2017-18.

That isn’t enough scoring to tip the scale in his favor. Then there is the issue of losing his cool on the ice. It’s unacceptable when a player the Anaheim Ducks are relying on for scoring, let alone leadership, puts the team down a man at crucial times. The result is a player that can’t be counted on. Not a quality a hockey team wants for a leader.

Next: A Ducks recruiting letter to John Taveras

The lack of team leadership wasn’t the only thing Murray talked about. Tomorrow we look at his more positive statements.

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