Penguins capture Gruden and 2020 2nd round draft pick for Matt Murray

Pittsburgh Penguins replace Jonathan Gruden and the 2020 Second Round Draft Pick (52nd overall) from Ottawa Senators Matt Murray, Was announced today by Jim Rutherford, Executive Vice President and General Manager.

Gruden was signed for the 2022-23 season and his contract has an average annual value of 8,788,333.

“We thank Matt for everything he has done in his five seasons with the Penguins,” Rutherford said. “He played a key role in our back-to-back Stanley Cup Championship, and we congratulate him.”

The 20-year-old Gruden played for the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League during the 2019-20 season, where he appeared in 59 games, scoring 30 goals, 36 assists, 66 points and a plus-20. His 30 goals are second on the team, while his 66 points are fourth.

Prior to his time in London, Gruden played 6-foot, 172-pound collegiate hockey with the University of Miami (Ohio) for one season. He scored 15 points (3G-12A) in 38 games.

Michigan native Rochester Hills formed Ottawa in the fourth round (95th overall) in the 2018 NHL Draft. He has been a member of the U.S. National Team Development Program for two seasons from 2016-18, serving as Team Alternative Captain at the 2018 World Junior Championships, helping them win a silver medal.

In addition to the 52nd overall, Pittsburgh now has five options in the 2020 NHL Draft:

Penguins 2020 NHL Draft Picks

Round 2 Pick # 52
Round 3 Pick # 77
Choose Round 4 Pick # 108
Round 5 Pick # 139
Round 6 Pick # 170