According to hockey insider Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, there’s been a potential development when it comes to the future’s of both Corey Crawford out of Chicago and Matt Murray out of Pittsburgh. While nothing is set in stone and this may be nothing more than a simple discussion, Garrioch is reporting that the Blackawks have expressed interest in the Penguins’ goaltender.
Garrioch writes, “One possible destination for Pittsburgh goalie Matt Murray could be Chicago. Led to believe they’ve expressed some interest.”
It’s a simple statement but it says a lot about where the Blackhawks might be at on the Crawford front. Reports earlier this week were that Chicago was expecting Crawford to head to free agency on October 9. While there was still a chance he could circle back to the Blackhawks if he didn’t get what he was looking for in free agency, the buzz was that he and the Hawks weren’t close on the financial terms of a new deal that would keep the pending unrestricted free agent in Chicago. Still, there was always an underlying sense of hope the two sides would work things out.
If the Blackhawks have inquired into the availability of Murray via a trade with the Penguins, it seems to suggest they’re losing confidence Crawford will circle back.
What Would Be The Asking Price?
What Penguins’ GM Jim Rutherford wants in return here could be the real deciding factor. If the Penguins are willing to take on salary in a Murray trade, this could benefit the Blackhawks who might be looking to shed some unwanted contract weight. So far, no one has seemed to show interest in Murray based on the rumored ask for a first-round pick and he’s not likely to fetch that. Could the Penguins start to get a little desperate considering the goaltending market is about to be flooded with capable backstops?
If the Penguins are willing to take on a contract to move Murray, tt’s potentially worth asking if you’re in Chicago’s position.
Next: Rask and Kuemper Updates: UFA Goalie Market Creates Crease Flood
