In this edition of the hotstove we share our thoughts on Matt Murray's three-year, $11.25 million ($3.75M per) contract extension with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Todd Cordell
I think this is an excellent contract for the Penguins. Matt Murray has posted fantastic numbers everywhere he has been the last few seasons and, at 22, his best days are still ahead of him. The $3.75 million Pittsburgh is giving Murray makes him the 28th highest paid goaltender in the league. In other words if he is even an average starter the Penguins will be getting value out of this contract. There is nothing to suggest he can't be at least that so this is a job well done by Jim Rutherford and co.
James Tanner
This is a supreme deal for the Penguins.
They've know for a fact that Matt Murray can win in the NHL and that he can handle the Playoffs etc etc. and now they can trade their older, superfluous goalie and save $2 million vs the cap.
Seems like a win for the Champs.
Peter Tessier
This is a safe gamble based on a good run. It's not a huge body of work but it give the Penguins and Murray some security. I don't have any issue with the deal but I wonder if it means something will happen with Fleury?
In the end if you're a Pens fan you can't be disappointed about the deal because he can clearly play but can he play consistently? That's the big gamble with goalies who come out of nowhere.