Weakness Protection ProgramGarth Murray Resurfaces

Just prior to the Habs explosion onto the NHL scene last season, they quietly removed one of their big weaknesses: a forward with plenty of ice time but not a shred of nose for the net.

Since that day of infamy, we haven't heard much from Garth Murray. Until now. Take note of what he looks like, then read on below.



Last night I noticed a pretty cool name in the scoring summary as I was looking for the pathetic Horcoff to put up some points for me in my hockey pool: Liam Reddox. As it happens, Dennis Kane of the eponymous blog had a bit about names today (he likes Bonk for himself, apparently) and so I submitted Reddox as the cooler name in the NHL.

I checked Liam's profile on Yahoo hockey to see if he could actually play anywhere near worth his name, and I found this.

Next time Garth Murray hires a lawyer and WRP expert to come up with a new identity, he would do well to pick someone who could come up with more realistic names than Liam Reddox. We know you're not in Phoenix...

Habs Review 2007-08: Garth Murray

(From least to most valuable 2007-08 Hab, to start: Garth Murray)

The numbers

2007-08
1 GP: 0 G, 0 A, 0 Pts, 0 PIM, E, 0 Shots

Career best year - 2005-06

36 GP: 5 G, 1 A, 6 Pts, 44 PIM, -2, 25 Shots

Plays of the game: 0

Game pucks: 0

Domes: 0

3 Star selections: 0


The story

Where he started the season
Surprisingly to me Garth made the team out of training camp beating out the likes of Lapierre, Sergei Kostitsyn and Locke. His role was obvious - he was to be our 13th forward and would be our muscle if we actually needed any. He had served the Habs well over the previous 2 seasons so I saw this more as a debt of gratitude to Garth rather than him forcing his way onto the team.


The season
He suited up for one game (possibly to be put on display?) against Florida, the team he would join just a few short days later via waivers. It was obvious to all those watching that night (and apparently to management too) that Murray had no place on our team and that he was a player that did not in any way represent the direction the franchise was taking. His departure led to Lapierre's recall, and I think that from then on we were a better team.

Murray by the numbers: N/A

Lions' links on Murray:
Habs Cut Possible NHLers
New Concept for Montreal Media: Rolling Squad


Grade: F
All I can say is that the Habs must be improving. In the two previous seasons, Garth had been a regular and, in my opinion, played way too much. This season, by no fault of his own, he was simply not good enough. The team is getting better, which means there will be less and less space for AHL journeymen like Murray.


Where we'd have him next season
Garth is no longer with the Canadiens organization having been claimed by the Panthers off waivers in the fall. It is likely that his NHL adventure is over as he has very little to offer at this level. Garth's style of play is quickly becoming a thing of the past as top teams have no problem suiting up 12 forwards that can score.