Trade speculation in net for the Penguins and the need for a puck-moving defenseman
Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: The Pittsburgh Penguins haven’t been happy with their goaltending.
They had been linked to Detroit Red Wings Jimmy Howard, but decided to go with Casey DeSmith and Tristan Jarry while Murray is injured.
Multiple sources have said that Penguins bringing in outside help in net is unlikely
Chris Nichols of Nichols on Hockey: Darren Dreger was on TSN 690 and was talking about the Pittsburgh Penguins and their struggles. Goaltending hasn’t been good and there has been some speculation that Murray could be moved when healthy.
“… in terms of Pittsburgh looking to the future – is why slowly and somewhat quietly we were starting to hear the mutterings of the possibility of speculation of Matt Murray perhaps being a trade commodity at some point down the road when he gets healthy again.”
The Penguins miss injured puck-moving defenseman Justin Schultz.
“I wouldn’t be surprised to see Rutherford and the Penguins try and acquire some form of puck-moving defenseman in the future, but it’s difficult to do.
“He said to me that he feels that this team has as good a chance as any Penguins team that he’s been associated with, and that’s saying a lot considering what they’ve managed to win since Rutherford was named GM.”
Chris Nichols of Nichols on Hockey: Elliotte Friedman was on Sportsnet 960 and was asked if he thought the Pittsburgh Penguins maybe questioning losing Marc-Andre Fleury in the expansion draft to keep Matt Murray.
Friedman notes that nobody likely saw the Penguins being in this situation with Murray and “there’s something going on between the ears.”
Friedman then adds that “we’re starting to hear some pretty soft trade rumors with him.” The Penguins aren’t happy with where they are, but there isn’t really any good goaltending that would be available.
“Well, who are you going to trade for that A) you’d want, and B), comes at a price you’d be willing to pay. There’s not a lot of guys. So I think that’s a little bit of why Murray’s name is getting out there.
“But I don’t think you can question why the Penguins did what they did. They were forced into making a choice, and I’m sorry, but you’re going with the younger guy – especially since he won two Cups for you.”