Pittsburgh Penguins: 3 moves they must make after another early exit

3. Time For A Change In Net

It’s time for the Pittsburgh Penguins to make a very tough decision in net. Both Tristan Jarry and Matt Murray are restricted free agents, meaning they’re each in line for a pay raise. The Penguins probably can’t afford both because Seattle’s going to take whichever one of them the Pens don’t protect in the 2021 expansion draft.

The correct choice is probably Jarry. First of all, he’ll likely be cheaper than Murray because Jarry has less experience. If Jarry signs the same deal Murray did a few years ago (three years, $3.75 million AAV), I think that would be fine.

Secondly, the Penguins like to spend to the cap. Ergo, it would make sense for them to have a relatively cheap goaltending tandem so they can spend more money on upgrading their skaters. A tandem of Jarry and Casey DeSmith could be very cost-effective and effective in the net.

Thirdly, getting rid of Marc-Andre Fleury should teach Pittsburgh Penguins fans the value of getting rid of someone at the right time. It was Fleury’s time to go. Now it’s Murray’s time. The Penguins will still be in very good hands with Jarry and DeSmith.

A number of teams will probably be interested in Murray, given his track record and his two Stanley Cups. The Penguins should trade Murray while he still has some value. It would be better than losing him for nothing, or worse, having to persuade Seattle to take him in their expansion draft.