Penguins Demote Murashov to AHL Camp; Another Decision Looms

CRANBERRY, Twp — Despite four games in the next five days, the Pittsburgh Penguins shed one goalie from training camp Monday, sending 2022 fourth-round pick Sergei Murashov to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins’ training camp.

Murashov surprised many by attending the Penguins’ Development Camp in early July and then signing his entry-level contract in late July. The Russian goalie dominated the Russian Junior League (MHL) last season, posting a .930 save percentage. He also held his own with a .925 save percentage in six KHL games.

Murashov was one of the stars in Development Camp and the Prospects Challenge, which was held from Sept. 13 to 16 in Buffalo. The Penguins’ prospects team won with a 3-0 record.

Read More: Murashov Ready for Penguins Closeup; Gushes Over Malkin (+)

However, Murashov was caught in a crowded crease during Penguins training camp, with six goalies on the roster. He did not dress for the first three preseason games and was not scheduled to dress in either of the next two.

Penguins free agent signee Filip Larsson signed in April following the Swedish Elite League season. Larsson appeared in the first preseason game in relief of Joel Blomqvist, then played nearly half of the game in the Penguins win Sunday over the Ottawa Senators Sunday.

Larsson, 26,  has allowed one goal on a combined 30 shots and stopped all 11 he faced Sunday.

The WBS Penguins camp is ongoing. However, Larsson is likely to be sent to the AHL camp following this week, setting up an organizational decision on where to assign Murashov and Larsson. One will likely be assigned to Wheeling of the ECHL, while the other will engage in a net share with Joel Blomqvist in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.