Pittsburgh Penguins have decided to remove any doubt about their goalkeeper of the future. After previously committing to Tristan Jarry, signing him to a three-year, $10.5 million deal, the Penguins now traded veteran goalie Matt Murray to Ottawa Senators.
Penguins confirmed the trade on social media, revealing that they have received a 2020 second-rounder (52nd overall pick) and prospect forward Jonathan Gruden in exchange.
Murray spent the previous five seasons with the Penguins, helping the franchise to two Stanley Cups. However, the 26-year-old player struggled with injuries and inconsistency in 2019/20, allowing Jarry to claim his spot in the starting lineup.
“We would like to thank Matt for everything he’s done in his five seasons with the Penguins,” said general manager Jim Rutherford in a statement. “He was instrumental to our back-to-back Stanley Cup Championships, and we wish him the best.”
While Matt Murray’s performance was a notable issue, the bigger reason for the Penguins’ decision to trade him was the fact that he is about to become a restricted free agent. With their money already tied up with Jarry, the only solution was to try and get something in return for Murray, which they eventually did.
Murray played 199 NHL career games with the Penguins, posting a 117-53-19 record to go with a 2.67 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage.
