The Pittsburgh Penguins are facing a potential loss of goaltender Stuart Skinner to free agency, prompting a consideration of signing former Penguins goalie Matt Murray. With a young goaltending duo expected for next season, Murray could provide the necessary veteran experience and mentorship while serving as a safety net if the situation falters. Despite injury challenges over recent seasons, Murray's past performance and ability to guide upcoming talents like Sergei Murashov make him an appealing option for Pittsburgh.

By the Numbers
  • Murray has not played more than 30 games in a single season since 2019-20.
  • Last season, he dressed for five games with a record of 0-2-1, boasting a .922 save percentage and a 2.21 goals-against average.
State of Play
  • Pittsburgh is moving towards a younger goaltending strategy with Arturs Silovs and Sergei Murashov.
  • AHL tandem is set with Joel Blomqvist likely taking most starts.
What's Next

If signed, Murray could take on a third-string role, allowing for occasional spot starts and mentorship for young prospects. This could mitigate potential goaltending crises while providing valuable experience to emerging talent.

Bottom Line

Bringing Matt Murray back could offer the Penguins a low-risk, high-reward situation, combining veteran stability and mentorship while bolstering their young goaltenders' development during a critical season.