I confess, starting with the questionable acquisition of veteran forward Kevin Hayes and running on through some checkered free-agent pickups, the Penguins haven’t exactly given me a whole lot of reasons to smile this summer.
Even the relatively upbeat news that we signed top prospects Brayden Yager and Tanner Howe (who I really like) to entry-level contracts failed to significantly buoy my sagging hopes regarding the black and gold.
That all changed with the announcement that we signed Russian goalie Sergei Murashov to a three-year, entry-level contract on Tuesday, along with the equally exciting news that he plans to play in North America this season.
Although his deployment is hardly set in stone, it’s anticipated Murashov will begin his pro career at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, where he’ll likely split time with fellow prospect Joel Blomqvist.
The kid’s numbers, compiled mostly at the Russian junior level, are nothing short of jaw-dropping. While backstopping the Yaroslavl Loko Jr. team in 2022-23, he posted a stunning 1.53 goals against average and .948 save percentage (!!) along with an otherworldly 11 shutouts…in only 37 games.
Shades of young Matt Murray, circa 2014-15.
Murashov’s stats were only slightly less awe-inspiring this past season…a 2.03 goals against average and .930 save percentage.
He shone during a six-game cameo in the KHL as well, posting a sparkling 1.84 goals against and a .925 save percentage, along with a requisite shutout.
During his surprise appearance at the Pens’ prospect camp earlier this month, the 20-year-old wonder wowed teammates and front-office types alike by posting two shutouts and backstopping his team to the Michel Briere Cup.
“Guy’s disgusting,” remarked teammate Owen Pickering. “My first time meeting him, seeing him play, anything. He was a rock back there for us. He was really good. Fun to be around.”
“Watching him compete in drills, he’s relentless on the puck, which is a great asset for goalies,” added Tom Kostopoulos, director of player development. “Then watching him in the games, it was impressive.”
Pretty heady stuff, especially for a 118th overall pick.
I’ve only mentioned this a gazillion times (make it a gazillion one), but guess which other Russian goalie was selected 118th overall?
If you answered Rangers superman (and Vezina Trophy winner) Igor Shesterkin you’d be correct.
They’re even eerily similar in size (Shesterkin’s listed at 6’1” 189 to Murashov’s still growing 6’1” 172).
Yes, I know. It’s awfully early to be heaping these kinds of comparisons and expectations on a kid who has yet to stop a puck shot with evil intent on this side of the pond.
Maybe it’s the way Murashov seemed to come from nowhere…kind of out of left field. Not unlike Michel Brière, an obscure third-round pick and the player for whom the prospects Cup was named.
I just have a feeling about him.
For now, his signing has given me a reason to dream…and smile.
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Hey Rick,
Thanks for putting up this update.
At last the Penguins did something to give us a glimmer of hope, gave us something positive to write about.
As I wrote many times over the last several seasons, this Kid has been a marvel over there in the MHL and KHL. I know most of the slightly above casual fans are excited about Yager, but the true top 2 prospects in this Org. are Blomqvist and Murashov. Goalies are tough to judge just like pitchers in baseball. They can be world beaters 1 season and tank the next - just from confidence issues but now the black and gold has 2 - legitimate 1A types in the system with a potential 1B in Gauthier and very serviceable back-up in Ned.
Dubas will never have a better exit strategy for the Jarry millstone. There are no excuses to keep this bum on the roster. He now has a solid answer if any potential trade partner tries to ask the question, "Why are you trying to trade Jarry if you think he is good?" The Penguins cupboard is loaded with high profile replacements.
As I mentioned to you earlier this summer during Development camp, Murashov reminds me of MAF with his athleticism. This team could take on the same look of building as the MAF-Crosby-Malkin era. If GMKD could only find a way to pluck Lamoureux off Utah - maybe a Jarry trade? GMKD can rebuild this team from Goal line out again. (Lamoureux would be a level up from Orpik)
Right now I see a parallel between the Pirates with Skenes, Keller, and Jones vs the Pens with Blomqvist, Murashov, and Ned. (and Gauthier) but a lack of supporting players.