The Ottawa Senators could announce GM John Muckler has been fired, as early as today.
While Muckler wouldn't comment yesterday, referring all questions about his future to team owner Eugene Melnyk, two senior NHL executives told Sun Media they believe Melnyk gave Muckler his walking papers Friday.
When asked about the rumoured changes, Muckler was vague and maintained: "I haven't been told anything."
Asked if the situation would be clarified by Melnyk tomorrow, Muckler didn't shed any light, either.
"I don't know. You'll have to speak to the owner about that," Muckler said.
Melnyk's spokesman Ken Villazor did not deny the news but refused to elaborate.
"The owner has released a statement that he was reviewing all management with the club," said Villazor.
Melnyk has three options with Muckler, 73.
* He can fire Muckler and pay out the one year remaining on his contract, plus a two-year consulting deal.
* He can ask him to step aside as GM and be the team's consultant for the next three years.
* Allow Muckler to finish out the final year of his deal before stepping into the consulting job.
If coach Bryan Murray, 64, is moved up to the front office, it's believed assistant John Paddock could take over the club's coaching duties.
SAMSONOV NOW A 'HAWK
Sergei Samsonov's disappointing stay with the Montreal Canadiens lasted only one season.
The 28-year-old forward was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks yesterday for defenceman Jassen Cullimore and forward Tony Salmelainen.
Samsonov, a Moscow native, signed as a free agent with the Canadiens last summer, but had just nine goals and 17 assists in 63 games.
He was a healthy scratch for 18 games last season.
While Muckler wouldn't comment yesterday, referring all questions about his future to team owner Eugene Melnyk, two senior NHL executives told Sun Media they believe Melnyk gave Muckler his walking papers Friday.
When asked about the rumoured changes, Muckler was vague and maintained: "I haven't been told anything."
Asked if the situation would be clarified by Melnyk tomorrow, Muckler didn't shed any light, either.
"I don't know. You'll have to speak to the owner about that," Muckler said.
Melnyk's spokesman Ken Villazor did not deny the news but refused to elaborate.
"The owner has released a statement that he was reviewing all management with the club," said Villazor.
Melnyk has three options with Muckler, 73.
* He can fire Muckler and pay out the one year remaining on his contract, plus a two-year consulting deal.
* He can ask him to step aside as GM and be the team's consultant for the next three years.
* Allow Muckler to finish out the final year of his deal before stepping into the consulting job.
If coach Bryan Murray, 64, is moved up to the front office, it's believed assistant John Paddock could take over the club's coaching duties.
SAMSONOV NOW A 'HAWK
Sergei Samsonov's disappointing stay with the Montreal Canadiens lasted only one season.
The 28-year-old forward was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks yesterday for defenceman Jassen Cullimore and forward Tony Salmelainen.
Samsonov, a Moscow native, signed as a free agent with the Canadiens last summer, but had just nine goals and 17 assists in 63 games.
He was a healthy scratch for 18 games last season.
