Murray, 26, led Pittsburgh to back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017 but has struggled with consistency in the last three seasons.
The Chicago Blackhawks had conversations with the Pittsburgh Penguins regarding a possible sign-and-trade for pending restricted free agent goaltender Matt Murray, according to TSN’s Elliotte Friedman. Friedman reported that the two teams could not agree upon a deal and will continue to examine their options, but it is certainly interesting to hear Blackhawks’ general manager Stan Bowman is considering a trade for a new No. 1 goaltender.
Hearing CHI/PIT had Matt Murray conversations and the Blackhawks had permission to discuss an extension. Things did not work out, so everyone continues examining their options.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) October 5, 2020
Bowman told the Blackhawks media last week that he remains optimistic about reaching an agreement with goaltender Corey Crawford, but the inquiry for Murray suggests the team may be preparing for life without the two-time Stanley Cup champion. The Hawks reportedly offered ‘Crow’ a one-year, ~$3.5 million contract at the beginning of the offseason, which did not seem to be close to what Crawford was expecting.
With the current free-agent market limited on affordable starting goaltenders, the Blackhawks have to look at every possible option in case Crawford chooses not to re-sign. Murray will be one of the cheaper alternatives if he winds up hitting the market, but he will be one of the riskier ones as well. In 2019-20, the Penguins’ 2012 third-round pick posted career-lows in save percentage (.899), quality-start percentage (.421), and goals saved above average (-11.60).
Murray has not been the same goaltender since winning 32 out of 47 starts in 2016-17, hence Pittsburgh electing to sign teammate Tristan Jarry to a contract extension over him. There is a reason why the Pens are shopping a young, two-time Stanley Cup champion netminder. He peaked.
Just for a moment, consider how disastrous the Blackhawks 2019-20 regular season would have been with Murray in net instead of Crawford and Robin Lehner. Well, in 2020-21, their defense likely will not improve by much with the roster make-up being close to the same. Murray’s recent woes combined with a bottom-tier defense does not put the Blackhawks on track to be a Stanley Cup contender next year.
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