Corey Crawford and the Blackhawks might not be seeing eye-to-eye on a new contract and it looks like Stan Bowman is doing his due diligence elsewhere.
Fortunately, the NHL's goaltending free agent market is loaded with big names. And the trade market seems to be heating up as well
The Blackhawks had previously inquired with the Coyotes about Darcy Kuemper, and another goalie rumored to be on the move was linked to Chicago on Monday, the Penguins' Matt Murray.
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While Bowman remains optimistic he can strike a deal with Crawford, the Blackhawks have to be prepared for all scenarios and have a backup plan in place.
Murray, 26, is a restricted free agent, and Pittsburgh looks to be shopping his negotiating rights in a trade.
Since leading the Penguins to a Stanley Cup as a rookie, Murray's career hasn't developed as some expected. He posted an .899 save percentage and 2.87 goals against average in 2019-20 and was outplayed by Tristan Jarry.
NHL
According to Natural Stat Trick, Murray's -11.57 goals saved above average was eighth worst in the NHL.