Ottawa Senators Acquire Matt Murray From Pittsburgh Penguins
Jon Gruden and the 52nd overall pick head the other way.
With Ottawa Senators General Manager Pierre Dorion confirming today that Anders Nilsson is still dealing with post-concussion symptoms, it was clear that he was looking to add help in the crease.
Using the team’s wealth of second-round draft picks, he did just that.
News Release: The #Sens have acquired goaltender Matt Murray in a trade with @penguins: https://t.co/HdjZg5ihvJ pic.twitter.com/noqXSBTLGd
— Sens Communications (@Media_Sens) October 7, 2020
Just as the second round of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft was beginning, it was announced that the Senators had acquired two-time Stanley Cup-winning goaltender Matt Murray from the Pittsburgh Penguins, in exchange for Jon Gruden, and the 52nd overall selection in this year’s draft.
In a statement issued by the team, Dorion said:
“The acquisition of Matt Murray represents an important addition to our lineup,” said Dorion. “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.”
Selected 83rd overall by the Penguins in 2012, the 26 year-old Murray has posted a career record of 117-53-19. While he’s struggled in the past couple seasons, the Thunder Bay, Ontario native has two Stanley Cups to his name, starring as the key goaltender in both 2016 and 2017. With 29 career postseason victories, Murray ranks third on the Penguins all-time list.
For the Senators, this is a really safe, low-risk move. Not only did they avoid parting with a high second-rounder or a top prospect, but they bring in a goaltender that has the potential to be a Turris or Duclair-style reclamation project. Past couple seasons aside, Murray is a Stanley Cup winner for a reason, and will certainly be motivated to bounce back and earn himself a lucrative long-term deal.
With Murray being an RFA, the next step for the Senators will be getting the netminder signed to a multi-year. The deadline to submit qualifying offers is today at 5pm.
After selecting Finnish forward Roby Jarventie 33rd overall, the Senators have two picks remaining in the second round.