Smith Is Ducks’ Top Candidate

Mighty Duck officials have discussed the team’s general manager position with former New York Ranger general manager Neil Smith, sources said.

The team will not consider promoting Coach Bryan Murray to replace Pierre Gauthier, who was fired on Friday, sources said. A general manager may be hired within days.

Smith has emerged as the leading candidate. He has been a part-time consultant for the Ducks the last two seasons and also has spent time as a television commentator for ESPN. He has not run a team since being fired by the Rangers late in the 1999-2000 season.

Reached at his home in New York, Smith declined to comment on whether he has been approached, but said he is interested in the job.

Smith began his hockey career as a part-time scout for the New York Islanders in the early 1980s. He spent 11 seasons as the president and general manager of the Rangers and produced one Stanley Cup championship in 1994, ending the team’s 54-season drought.

The Ducks have made the playoffs only twice in their nine-year history. They finished 13th last season, 25 points out of a playoff spot.

The new general manager will have a busy off-season, including re-signing star winger Paul Kariya, who earned $10 million last season. Improving the offense--the Ducks scored the second-fewest goals in the NHL--also is high on the list, either through free agency or trades.

Duck officials also are close to hiring a senior vice president to handle the business side of the operation.

Among the leading candidates is Dean Jordan, who formerly ran the Entertainment and Sports Arena for the Carolina Hurricanes. Tim Ryan, the general manager of the Arrowhead Pond, also is being considered.