On November 10, 2021, Bob Murray resigned from his position as the general manager of the Anaheim Ducks amid allegations of long-term abuse inside the organization. The move came after the team placed Murray on administrative leave a day earlier, following accusations made by former Ducks player Akim Aliu.
After an internal review, the Ducks enlisted the help of Los Angeles-based law firm Sheppard Mullin to investigate the alleged toxic workplace environment Murray had fostered. According to league sources, Murray directed continued verbal abuse and harassment toward Ducks players, coaches, and other team personnel for years, with one source describing working for Murray as "pure daily mental warfare."
Murray, who had been with the Ducks for 13 years, apologized to "anyone adversely affected by my behavior" and announced that he would enter an alcohol abuse treatment program that Ducks owner Henry Samueli would pay for.
In a statement issued on November 10, the Ducks apologized on behalf of the organization to anyone affected by Murray's misconduct and promised to treat every member of the organization with respect. Despite Murray's resignation, the team stated that it would see the investigation through to its conclusion.
The NHL also released a statement approving Murray's resignation and reaffirming its commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all its players, coaches, and personnel.
The NHL has since mandated that all teams report instances of abuse, and it appears that sources inside the Anaheim Ducks organization may have finally come forward as a result of this new policy.
Anaheim Ducks signed Nikita Nesterenko
The Anaheim Ducks have announced a major signing, adding former Boston College star Nikita Nesterenko to their roster on a three-year entry-level contract. This is a significant move for the Ducks as they look to strengthen their team and build for the future.
Nesterenko had an impressive three-year career on the ice, where he showcased his exceptional talent and was a key contributor to his team's success. His journey began as a freshman on a #1 seed in the NCAA tournament, where he played a pivotal role in anchoring the bottom lines of the team.
He played alongside stars such as Matt Boldy, Marc McLaughlin, and Alex Newhook, and even as a freshman, Nesterenko showed glimpses of his incredible skills and his ability to impact the game positively.
His efforts were critical in getting his team to the playoffs, where they nearly won it all. Nesterenko is a versatile player who can play both center and wing and has a strong shot. With his exceptional playmaking abilities, he can create opportunities for his teammates.
The Anaheim Ducks made a wise decision in signing Nikita Nesterenko. They have acquired a promising player who has demonstrated tremendous potential throughout his career. Nesterenko's versatility will provide the Ducks with more options on the ice and increase their overall flexibility. His scoring ability will also benefit the Anaheim Ducks, as he has demonstrated time and again.