Senators sign GM Bryan Murray to two-year extension

The Ottawa Senators on Monday announced Bryan Murray has signed a two-year contract extension that will keep him as the team's general manager through the 2015-16 season and also named him president of hockey operations.

Murray, 71, will hold both jobs for the next two seasons and then remain with the club for an additional two seasons in an advisory capacity.

"I am very pleased to have Bryan remain here in Ottawa for the next four years," Senators owner Eugene Melnyk said in a statement released by the team. "Without question Bryan stands among the best general managers in the National Hockey League. Our drafting success and the emergence of so many young, dynamic players within our organization is a testament to Bryan's leadership and wealth of hockey knowledge."

Murray has been with the Senators since he was hired as coach in June 2004. He was promoted to general manager in June 2007, days after guiding the Senators to the 2007 Stanley Cup Final.

"It's exciting that Eugene has made this commitment to me and also for me to make this commitment to be part of the organization for four more years," Murray said in a release. "This team has come a long way and we have seen real growth over these past three seasons. I know that with the pool of talent we have assembled both on and off the ice and our desire to improve at every level that we are on the right path to develop this team into a group talented enough to compete for championships.

"Mr. Melnyk has made it very clear that he wants to be a champion and that's what we both want for the city of Ottawa. It is an exciting time for us as we see this team grow, and being part of that growth is a big reason for both of us to make this commitment."

In addition, Pierre Dorion and Randy Lee were promoted to assistant general manager. Dorion had been the team's director of player personnel since August 2009. In his new role he will be responsible for contracts and salary arbitration as well as managing the Senators' professional and amateur scouting staffs. Dorion also will oversee all facets of evaluation for players both inside and outside of the organization.

Lee, now in his 19th season with the club, had been director of hockey operations and player development since 2009. In his new role he will be general manager of the club's American Hockey League team, the Binghamton Senators, and also be responsible for contracts and a variety of tasks involving player development, including the management of the hockey team's budgets and overseeing the development of the club's prospects.

"Pierre Dorion and Randy Lee have made significant contributions to our club's many achievements in scouting, drafting and player development," Melnyk said. "Bryan and I believe both Pierre and Randy have more than earned the opportunity to take on more senior roles in hockey operations. I want to congratulate Pierre and Randy on their expanded mandates serving together as our team's assistant general managers."