Sergei Murashov on the Way; Penguins Tell Prospect Their Plans

It’s not often a fourth-round pick from two years ago is the featured attraction at a development camp featuring a pair of first-round picks and a handful of second-round picks who could soon lace up skates in the NHL. Yet that was the scene in early July at the Pittsburgh Penguins Development Camp as they apparently went beyond the norm to get goalie prospect Sergei Murashov out of Russia to attend.

It was Murashov’s first participation in any Penguins organization activity since he was drafted in 2022 because he’s been behind the Russian curtain in the KHL and Russian junior league.

He didn’t disappoint, leading his team to the camp championship by being unbeatable through three games. It took a few weeks, but the Penguins got Murashov’s signature on his entry-level contract.

Murashov spoke to Russian reporter Daria Tuboltseva about his participation in the camp and his immediate future.

“I went through tests in the gym, and the coaches told me what I needed to improve. It was good to hear that,” Murashov said. “On the ice, we talked about many aspects of my game. Most of what the American coaches said about my game coincided with what my coaches in Yaroslavl said.”

The cat-quick Russian goalie set tongues wagging with his performance, moving from post to post to shutdown scoring chances and peering through net-front traffic to stop the first shot.

Penguins assistant general manager Jason Spezza didn’t praise Murashov quite to the level that Russian outlets reported but admitted that the Penguins did everything they could to get Murashov across continents to camp and very much wanted to get him under contract.

Both missions were accomplished.

Murashov clarified where Penguins fans will see him next season, though the NHL isn’t out of the question, at least in his mind.

“I can say right now that I’m ready to spend an entire season in the AHL. However, it’s only the beginning of August now. We’ll see how it goes,” said Murashov. “It’s a new challenge for me. The Penguins’ coaches have told me about the specific aspects of playing in the AHL.”

Last season, Murashov spent six games in the KHL, recording a 3-1-2 record with an impressive .925 save percentage. In 34 games at the junior level, he had a .930 save percentage.

He knows how to stop pucks, which is why Spezza and the Penguins rolled out the red carpet.

“It’s motivating to know that people believe in me. When people trust you, it feels good, but it also means you must keep working hard,” said Murashov. “I always follow my inner voice, though. It’s great to receive compliments, but I must stay honest with myself and my beliefs. I don’t want to be tied to public opinion.”

Murashov marveled at being able to chat with a relaxed and easygoing Sidney Crosby and told of Penguins defenseman Kris Letang holding court to discuss his hockey path.

As the Penguins net situation currently exists, the Penguins will have a pair of hotshot prospects with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, with Murashov and Joel Blomqvist, and Swedish goalie Filip Larsson will likely head to Wheeling.

And the race to the NHL begins.