Penguins trade Matt Murray!

TRADE ALERT! It’s done!

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HockeyFeed
Published 3 years ago
Penguins trade Matt Murray!
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General manager Jim Rutherford has finally done it. 

On Wednesday, minutes before the start of the second day of the NHL Draft, the Pittsburgh Penguins traded goalie Matt Murray to the Ottawa Senators in return for forward Jonathan Gruden and a 2020 second-round draft pick (52nd overall), which was previously acquired from the Columbus Blue Jackets.


"The acquisition of Matt Murray represents an important addition to our lineup. He's a proven goaltender who has considerable high-pressure experience and someone who we're certain will serve as an exceptional mentor to our young group of upcoming goaltenders," said Senators general manager Pierre Dorion right after the move.

Dorion had admitted earlier today that he was looking to acquire a netminder and was hoping to move a second-round pick in the transaction. He did so as he revealed that Anders Nilsson was still dealing with an injury. This trade brings stability in net in Ottawa. 

At the moment, Murray does not have a deal with the Senators, he who is set to become a free agent on Friday. It was recently reported that Murray is seeking quite the pay raise of the upcoming season, seeking to earn $6 million annually. It remains to be seen if the Senators will offer him that much, but for now, they hold on tight to his rights. 

Murray, who’s earned an annual salary of $ 3.75 million this season, was aware a move was coming, even though the Penguins extended him a qualifying offer on Monday. 

“We would like to thank Matt for everything he’s done in his five seasons with the Penguins. He was instrumental to our back-to-back Stanley Cup Championships, and we wish him the best," commented Rutherford once the move was announced. 

Murray posted a 20-11-5 record in 38 games with the Penguins this season, along with a 2.87 goals-against-average, a .899 save percentage and one shutout. The 26-year-old is a two-time Stanley Cup champion and was Pittsburgh’s second third-round selection (83rd overall) in the 2012 NHL Draft.

Over 199 career NHL games, all with the Penguins, Murray has earned a record of 117-53-19, a 2.67 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage.

Source: Twitter