On Monday, the Pittsburgh Penguins marked a second consecutive day where they made a trade, sending two draft picks to the San Jose Sharks for defenseman Douglas Murray. The first draft pick acquired by San Jose is a second-round pick in this upcoming draft in Newark, while the second pick is contingent upon Pittsburgh either re-signing Murray or winning two playoff rounds. If either condition is met, San Jose will receive a second-round pick in 2014. If neither happens, then the pick becomes a third-rounder in 2014.
The Penguins are an early winner in the trade scene, as the trade deadline is one week from this coming Wednesday. Most experts have already pegged this deadline as being a slow one, and Pittsburgh seems like they will ensure that is the case by making early deals. They are also driving up the price for players who will be on the trading block, such as Flames center Jarome Iginla, ensuring the deadline will once again be a seller’s market. Pittsburgh is setting themselves up to be not only the team to beat in the Eastern Conference but also the team to beat in the entire league.
Murray is a physical, stay-at-home defenseman who is excellent on the penalty kill. He was born in Sweden but went to Cornell University, where he was twice named an All-American and served as captain in his senior year. Murray was drafted by the San Jose Sharks in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft in the 8th round, 241st overall pick.
