Leafs officially being linked to Matt Murray; Why a deal between the Leafs and the Sens for Murray can be mutually beneficial
Earlier this morning, a report came out from TSN's Carlo Colaiacovo linking the Leafs to New Jersey Devils netminder MacKenzie Blackwood. Colaiacovo has also linked the Leafs to another team who happens to have a trio of NHL goaltenders on the payroll. The only problem, they're Atlantic Division rivals who are likely not too keen on helping one another out - unless of course the deal gives both sides what they need.
Per Colaiacovo, the Leafs are also linked to Sens goaltender Matt Murray. There's an obvious connection there with Kyle Dubas, Murray and the Soo Greyhounds, but I think the Leafs are probably more interested to see if they can make Murray into a bit of a reclamation project to see if they can help him re-gain the form that helped lead the Pittsburgh Penguins to back-to-back Stanley Cup wins in 2016 and 2017.
The problem is that Murray is already locked in for 2 more seasons at $6.25M, which is WAY more than what the Leafs would want to spend on a goalie who isn't a bona-fide number guy.
The bottom line here is that the Leafs need at least 1, possibly 2 goaltenders this summer. I think that no matter what price Matt Murray comes at, whether it's the full $6.25M or up to half of that in retained salary ($3.125M), he's going to provide you with better results than Petr Mrazek, who was an absolute DISASTER for the Buds last season. I think the Leafs and Sens can actually help each other here.
If the Leafs DO move Petr Mrazek and agree to take Murray on at the full $6.25M, they could conceivably do the same thing that the Carolina Hurricanes did when they took on Patrick Marleau and ask for a first round pick in return.
Now, obviously, the Sens aren't just going to give Matt Murray AND the 7th overall pick to the Leafs and dust off their hands and walk away. However, the Leafs do have the 25th pick in the draft. Could the Leafs somehow work that into a deal with the Sens for Murray and #7 overall? Maybe something like #25 overall and a prospect for Matt Murray and #7 overall? This is just me riffing. It's not that far out of the realm of possibility, especially when you consider the fact that the Leafs would be stuck with TWO years of Murray if he didn't work out, whereas Marleau was on a 1-year deal when the Leafs dealt their 2020 1st rounder to get rid of his deal.
The other option is to see if the Sens are willing to retain 50% on Murray, who could come in as a replacement for Petr Mrazek, making $3.125M as opposed to Mrazek's $3.8M, essentially saving close to 700K per season and having a goalie that can give you at least .900 goaltending. It's also worth noting that Murray has never posted a collective save percentage below .906 in the playoffs. He posted a .937 SV% in 2017 in 11 appearances. In terms of what the Leafs could offer the Sens to make it worth their while, the Sens are looking for a defenseman who can play in their top-4 next season. Justin Holl has played much of his time in Toronto partnered with Jake Muzzin on the second pairing. I'm sure there would need to be a balancing piece thrown in there, such as a prospect, but it could actually work out well for both sides.
I know Murray has struggled since the passing of his father in 2018, but I truly do believe that at 28 years old, there's still time to work with him to help him re-gain his form and revive his career. The Leafs employ a life coach by the name of Greg Harden who was worked with all sorts of professional athletes over his time in pro sports. On top of that, the Leafs are a team that spares no expense on providing its players with the highest quality of care in all aspects, both mental and physical. If there's any team who can help Murray turn things around, it's the Leafs. I firmly believe that.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 2 | 1218 ANSWERS Leafs officially being linked to Matt Murray; Why a deal between the Leafs and the Sens for Murray can be mutually beneficial Should the Leafs give Matt Murray an opportunity to revive his career? | ||
| Yes | 317 | 26 % |
| No | 535 | 43.9 % |
| Only at 50% retention; He's better than Mrazek | 366 | 30 % |
| List of polls | ||
