Added to the Ottawa Senators’ draft week haul: a 26-year-old two-time Stanley Cup winning netminder, who should have a sizeable chip on his shoulder.
Just moments before the start of Round 2 at the NHL Draft, the Senators acquired Matt Murray from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for a second-round pick, 52nd overall, as well as forward prospect Jonathan Gruden.
Murray is a restricted free agent and is currently arbitration eligible. He could step into unrestricted free agency next summer if the Senators are unable to sign him to a long-term agreement.
There was really no excuse for the Senators to not strengthen the goaltending position in a crowded market this offseason, but this feels like a truly superb acquisition for the club, which spent one of four second-round selections to acquire a proven starter.