Trades start heating up at NHL draft as Penguins deal Murray
Trade action is heating up on the second day of the NHL draft.
The Pittsburgh Penguins got the movement started Wednesday by trading two-time Stanley Cup-winning goaltender Matt Murray to the Ottawa Senators. Minutes later, the Nashville Predators dealt former Penguins forward Nick Bonino and two picks to the Minnesota Wild for Luke Kunin and a selection later in the draft.
Pittsburgh got a second-round pick, 52nd overall, and forward prospect Jonathan Gruden for Murray, who is a restricted free agent in need of a new contract. Murray, 26, helped the Penguins win the Cup in 2016 and 2017, but they committed to Tristan Jarry, signing him to a $10.5 million, three-year deal after his All-Star season.
“We would like to thank Matt for everything he’s done in his five seasons with the Penguins,” general manager Jim Rutherford said. “He was instrumental to our back-to-back Stanley Cup Championships, and we wish him the best.”
Murray gets a fresh start in Ottawa with a rebuilding team that has plenty of cap space to re-sign him. Senators GM Pierre Dorion called Murray an important addition to the lineup.
“He’s a proven goaltender who has considerable high-pressure experience and someone who we’re certain will serve as a exceptional mentor to our young group of upcoming goaltenders,” Dorion said after trading one of his team’s four second-round picks in this draft.
Minnesota got second- and third-round picks (37th and 70th overall) and sent a fourth (101st) to Nashville to take on the remainder of Bonino’s contract. He’s owed $4.1 million next season, while Kunin is a restricted free agent.
Nashville also put forward Kyle Turris and defenseman Steven Santini on buyout waivers. Turris had four years and $24 million left on his contract, so he’ll count $2 million against the Predators’ cap for the next eight seasons
The goalie market is hot leading up to the start of free agency Friday. Marc-Andre Fleury could soon be on the move if Vegas can find a taker for the 35-year-old three-time Stanley Cup winner.
Several netminders will be available in free agency, including 2018 Cup champion Braden Holtby and longtime face of the New York Rangers Henrik Lundqvist. The Washington Capitals are a “solid candidate” to sign Lundqvist, general manager Brian MacLellan has said.
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