Blackhawks: Is The Interest In Penguins’ Matt Murray Real?

Rumors of the Chicago Blackhawks being interesting in Matt Murray are back again after the Penguins re-sign Tristan Jarry.

2-time Stanley Cup Champion Matt Murray is most-likely on his way out of Pittsburgh, as the Penguins have re-signed Tristan Jarry, in favor of Murray. The Chicago Blackhawks are looking to move to the future in goal, as Corey Crawford isn’t their future at 35. At 26-years-old, Murray would be a great player to build the team around.

Murray and the Penguins inked a 3-years, $3,750,000 AAV deal that started after he won his second Stanley Cup. Even after winning 2 Stanley Cups, the Penguins see more promise in Jarry than they do in Murray.

The Blackhawks have been rumored to show some serious interest in the young goalie, as he would instantly start for the team for years to come. After a season where Murray went 20-11-5, he’s looking to bounce back in 2021, but as a full-time starter again.

Right now, Murray is a restricted free agent. Chicago would have to either trade for his rights or make a bid and give up compensation for Murray in free agency. Their best choice is to trade for Murray pre-free agency. They would benefit greatly from having him next season, as this team is on the rise.

However, the Hawks have a Salary Cup crunch this offseason. They’d have to move some players around just to keep Dominik Kubalik and Dylan Strome on the roster next season. If they withdraw the offer they gave Corey Crawford, they could give that same salary, with a longer duration, to Dylan Strome. For Kubalik, they’d have to add a little bit more for him to stay. Either way, there will be players either bought out or traded to open up room for the two and a goalie.

Crawford is a short-term fix – if that. Murray is a long-term starting goalie in the NHL. After having his worst statical season, Murray would likely sign for the same amount his last contract was, $3,750,000 AAV, just to get a starting job in the NHL on a team that can make the playoffs with solid play in goal.

This contract would strickly be shorter, as I don’t see Murray signing a long-term deal worth $3,750,000 per season. A 1 or 2-year deal for $3,750,000 per season is something that fits the Blackhawks well, along with giving Murray a chance to earn more money with the team in the near future.

Murray’s back up for a season could be Malcolm Subban or one of the goalies in Rockford. That saves money and eliminates any need for Crawford.

The Penguins are falling into the same trap the Blackhawks and the Kings did. If Murray can get out and become a starter on a fringe playoff team, it’s best for him and the hockey team. We’ll follow this story along as it unfolds, but, this is truly something.