How Trading Alex Kovalev Resulted In The Ottawa Senators Acquiring Matt Murray | NHL Trade Trees

Steve Dangle goes back and looks at the 2011 Alexei Kovalev Trade that saw the Ottawa Senators send Kovalev to the Pittsburgh Penguins for a conditional pick and how that deal turned into goaltender Matt Murray 9-years later.
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[@alangrygar8562]

these trade trees are banger videos, keep 'em coming

[@sportsnet]

Glad you like them!

[@lildurpy]

@@sportsnet Steve's the best!

[@johnstanton7118]

Seriously agree, during the break these had me glued to KZbin!

[@nickferguson3602]

@@sportsnet please can we have a craig rivet trade tree .

[@nathanmeagher7869]

@@sportsnet Do the Jordan Staal tree you cowards

[@SFascetta777]

Fun one? Blake Wheeler from Boston to Atlanta in 2011, which resulted in Reilly Smith becoming a Golden Knight, somehow roped in the Mike Hoffman laundering through San Jose, and popularized the trading of LTIR players with Marc Savard's contract being moved. A CRAPLOAD of draft picks were moved too. Also tangentially related to the Seguin trade.

[@TheCanadianWifier]

This one please, Steve

[@soupbowl2906]

Replying so Steve sees this

[@justanotheruser6252]

Yes please

[@ojvindsvinhufvud3970]

@@soupbowl2906 same

[@mindlessdude2216]

Yes

[@sportsallday7663]

Senators are the most underrated drafters

[@alangrygar8562]

definetly up there, too bad the team itself went to shit after that 2017 run

[@owenmcguire3094]

They don’t get the respect they deserve. Every year I hear people say the sens had a “terrible draft” and then 3 years later they have all these steals.

[@hassam363]

They have to trade and draft well or else they would have the same problem as the yotes.

[@andrewburney8075]

They are a farm team for the rest of the league. Draft, develop, deport.

[@sopowerabboy]

and that's why Eugene Melnyk allegedly underfunding the Sens' scouting department.

[@pedromaleque3786]

Do the trade tree of Josh Gorges (SJS) for Craig Rivet (MTL). That trade tree is still alive over a decade later

[@jerryjanik480]

And the Buffalo Sabres still get screwed

[@AudioOfBeing]

Every time I remember Kovalev, I recall watching him score his 1000th point with exactly 10:00 on the clock. Was a cool coincidence.

[@joshlucas3671]

Not to mention the stick shattering and him still scoring lol

[@elephamoose]

I just realized you've never done "The Trade": Gretzky to the Kings. Maybe make a good video for his 60th birthday in January?

[@zlinedavid]

That would actually go a lot deeper than some would realize. Hint: There's still impacts being felt today, and the tree winds up involving the grandson of the coach from the USSR's 1980 Olympic team.

[@ariccua6101]

Kovalev is currently a head coach for Kunlun Red Star in China. A KHL team.

[@michaelpesce4017]

Of all your trade tree videos Steve, this one in particular really surprised me. Very enjoyable content, keep up the good work!

[@amandacoly9783]

Just like me 😂

[@SnarkySqueege]

To everyone wondering about that second rounder 2021 pick... Unless I am wrong it was traded to AZ for Derek Stephan and the Coyotes used it to pick up, Josh Doan! Neat story! The trade tree continues!!!!

[@maxoof]

you’re right i just searched it up haha

[@chrispoulin5303]

I absolutely love these videos ❤️ keep them coming !!

[@pat6146]

Alexei Kovalev, Sens legend

[@the79thcookie]

Fuckin right 😂

[@lildurpy]

DUDE I remember when he first when to the Sens, I was like WHY CAN'T THE LEAFS HAVE HIM

[@JeremyCuddles]

Naslund trade tree? Yes please. Naslund is still my fav Canuck to this day. You tickled my heart with that tease, then broke it with the pic of Messier in a Canucks jersey. Bad form Dangle, bad form.

[@amandacoly9783]

Pathetic 😂

[@dylanchan6930]

Love how the sens traded the 2nd and Jonathan Gruden, the head coach of the Las Vegas raiders

[@amandacoly9783]

Hmm 😂

[@jesseguerra7719]

The Messier cut in was GOLD 😂😂😂 these videos are so great! Keep them up Steve and Sportsnet!! Can you do the Craig Rivet trade tree soon please? 😊

[@JoshMarshain]

Love that Steve gets to use clips in these, he's not allowed to use game footage in his own videos and now I want them in there more than ever

[@Mucy_DE]

- Kovalev, a generational talent who was already 20 years removed from the draft as a rental to the Penguins + Ryan Dzingel via a 7th rounder, pair of 20 goal seasons as a defender then trading him for: ? Duclair (great player, but is he on the Sens next season?) + 2020 2nd which turns into Matt Murray + 2021 2nd, unknown who they pick or where Columbus even finishes but interesting. All in all flipping Kovalev for the first part of Ryan Dzingel's promising career, a bomb season by Duclair, Matt freaking Murray and a 2021 2nd I'd say Ottawa fleeced Pittsburgh, then Columbus and potentially fleeced Pittsburgh AGAIN. Quite the good work of trades and drafting I'll tell you that.

[@zachn]

We were going to lose Murray for nothing. After BTB cups, Murray fell HARD because teams capitalized on his weak glove side, plus losing his friend and mentor in Fleury. He was thoroughly outplayed by NHL all-star Jarry, and GMJR publicly stated that Murray was on his way out. He was asking for >6 million (more than they could afford), so there was literally nothing we could do. I'd say Ruthorford did a great job getting a solid goalie prospect in Blomqvist out of a player he was gonna lose anyway. I hope this works out for both teams, and that Murray does well. However, don't think he's nearly as good of a goalie as you think he is. His play (and contract) was why we let go of him in the first place.

[@N_manMETA11]

First off, you have to think of where Pittsburgh was in 2010, that 7th rounder was very likely to be one of the last picks in the entire draft and they got depth out of it. Even though it didn't end the best, the idea wasn't bad, get depth for a long playoff run. For Duclair and Dzingle, absolutely amazing for Ottawa, but to be completely honest about Matt Murray, you're making the same mistake WE made back in 2017 by overselling him and leaving Fleury unprotected. It was obvious that Murray was leaving, he was going for at least $5 mil and that was money Pittsburgh didn't have at all, and they looked like a different team with Jarry in net, when Murray was in they didn't even pass the eye test. By getting Matt Murray, the Sens have a questionable and at most, temporary fix to their goaltending situation, and they honestly helped Pittsburgh more than they hurt them. The chance Pittsburgh would have gotten the full benefit of Dzingle or Palat NOW, slim, considering how reckless Ray Shero was with prospects, how poorly Bylsma DEVELOPED prospects, and how similar JR and Sullivan are to their predecessors. I don't view this as much of a loss for Pittsburgh as much as it was a gain for Ottawa. Pittsburgh didn't really lose anything except a liability in the goal crease and a roster player who would not have lived up to that potential in Pittsburgh anyways.

[@GoodMenstruationAttitude]

this might be the best one yet. great education for all of us.

[@zhrob1]

Excellent video.

[@4lifeFanHabs]

I remember when Kovalev was traded to the Montreal Canadiens. Looking back, I have no regrets because he became a fan favourite during his time with the Habs.

[@TheSportsAnecdote]

Steve: “go back!” Also Steve: *points forward*

[@jp771]

Really interesting! I have to say I am a huge fan of kovalev and thats the first time I have see new footage of the kovalev goals at the beginning of this video! Do you know where i can find footage like this? Thank you very much

[@TFthecreekboy]

Steve, you should really do the Gaborik to Columbus trade. It's an easy to forget trade, but a fascinating deal with some huge deals that spiraled out of it

[@zitrone8669]

Do the Kevin Shattenkirk-Erik Johnson swap

[@sashaanne703]

Key takeaway from this video: Ryan Dzingel was a 7th Round pick?!?

[@51xzander14]

Great video

[@kylemartineau8269]

I know this didn't happen at the time of the video but I love that Ryan Dzingle is back haha

[@jaredmcmullan3672]

I know we've done smaller trade trees of it, but can we get a full Chris Pronger trade tree from the very beginning? That thing would be massive

[@Tykoon22]

Praise Dangle - Trade Trees are back!

[@phreak811]

And the answer for Duclair is.....no he did not go back to Ottawa and signed instead a 1 year deal in FLORIDA to play with the Panthers. Just got a three year extension too in July of this Year, 2021. So yeah walked away and Ottawa got NOTHING for him.

[@jacrispymcrib9992]

We’ve done a Milbury trade, we’ve done a Luongo trade, now let’s do the trade that both of them are involved in. It’s such a nightmare of a tree though so I get if it takes you awhile, just skimming through cap friendly it seems Brad Marchand, Dustin Byfuglien, Wayne Simmonds, and Kevin Hayes are all part of it

[@adampomietlarz1518]

Hey Steve I have a podcast idea for you. I remember you talking about how after the lockout, some players who were important during the dead puck era but obsolete after the lockout like enforcers. Could you do a top ten of players who played in both era's please and thank you???

[@brandyndaigneault1758]

Kris Draper trade tree!! What did the Jets get out of that 1$?

[@jackcai8168]

YES!!! please do Naslund trade tree

[@PetterHughes]

I remember Kovalev's 5 minute shift with the Rangers!

[@isaacwhelan4502]

As I sens fan, I really like Dzingl, but honestly it was a really smart pick even at the time. Even if we don’t resign Duclair, it’s still a good pick. One of those 2nds was the main piece in getting Murray, and we still have another 2nd rounder upcoming. Pierre Dorian is underrated imo.

[@Andyanddiana467]

As a NYR fan, I guess the biggest, most frustrating thing about AK27 was that he’d sometimes disappear for stretches when the team really needed him. That said, given his skill, I’m not surprised he hit 1k mark in points.

[@slgreidanus]

Not sure if you have done the John Kordic for Russ Courtnall deal... but do it :)

[@coreyhill681]

Do you think you can upgrade this trade tree for this year

[@NStube24]

Shattenkirk-Erik Johnson Trade, pretty please? These are awesome and want to see them continue. Also how the heck did Erik Johnson go number 1 in 2006

[@philc824]

Well done !,

[@elliotfelx9270]

Do Craig Rivet going from Montreal to San Jose. Very interesting

[@jameskreisler6083]

We don't talk about that 2017 Sens run, that was Hankie's final shot to get a cup in NY :(

[@kpmanschannel]

More trade trees!! More more more!!!

[@canucks8294PatRiot]

I'm still waiting on certain trade trees such as Linden returning to Vancouver. The Vancouver trade of Bure to Florida. The Brett Hull trade to St. Louis

[@kreeikonn]

I think that 5 minute shift he got forced to play slowed him down a bit lol.

[@KarlSeed29PNE]

So good to see Trade Trees back and even better with ones where Penguins don't thrive from one!

[@oilersman8805]

Ryan Dizingl for Kovalev is kinda a good trade for ottawa

[@jalva3546]

TRADE TREES ARE BACK BABY

[@chrispswann6825]

In 1992 the expansion Ottawa Senators drafted Alexei Yashin with their first ever draft pick. Yashin was then traded to the Islanders for Chara and a 1st round pick (Jason Spezza). Spezza was then traded to Dallas for Alex Chiasson, draft picks and prospect Nick Paul. Paul is still with the Senators. So when you see Nick Paul, remember that he's on the team because Ottawa drafted Yashin 28 years ago.

[@grahamdamberger7130]

And this past season Paul was sent to Tampa Bay and came within two wins of hoisting the Stanley Cup. But I expect Paul to get a bigger role in Tampa next season, especially after the departure of Palat.

[@adametherington7010]

can do the erik karlsson trade tree now!! since ottawa used their third overall pick

[@honorebeauparlant8736]

I like watching your videos. You're funny.

[@08hymas]

Nothing better to enjoy your morning coffee with

[@amandacoly9783]

Me🙂

[@alexanderroberts5223]

Is every video required to mention the 2019 Blue Jackets/Lightning series at some point?

[@rutelover]

Time to add the robbery trade from Ottawa (Murray) to Toronto.

[@ChrisJones-pi5mh]

This makes me wonder what kind of trade trees we're gonna see from the Sens especially after the last couple years of blowing up everything.

[@richdee6667]

I liked Kovalev growing up but now I always think of his playoff dive first when his name comes up

[@Diefenbaker57]

Good work Steve - love seeing these Trade trees back - as Vladimir Lenin said "Everything is connected to everything else"

[@Blazethebest3]

Like the trains to the gulags

[@billk516]

Kovalev.....now that is a nostalgic name

[@nickferguson3602]

please do Craig Rivet trade tree

[@TheTommer97]

How about the Gretzky trade tree.

[@leafsfan1539]

Alexi could sauce pucks on top of the net from the other end of the ice everytime guy was a legend

[@rbankins]

Pittsburgh has gone from Marc-Andre Fleury who was left unprotected in the expansion draft and drafted by Las Vegas, to Matt Murray who was then traded to Ottawa but looking so far as a bust to the Senators. To Tristan Jerry and Casey DeSmith in goal for Pittsburgh while Ryan Dzingel has gone from Ottawa, Columbus to Carolina and Anthony Duclair who has gone from Columbus, Ottawa, Florida

[@N_manMETA11]

As a Pens fan, I think signing Matt Murray to that contract is going to be a collossal mistake for the Sens. Ottawa's done a lot of building this season but as you're going to see, it's gonna take more than a decent team to make up for his glove side. If you don't believe me just watch.

[@zachn]

for real though. He was on his way out, playing like a backup for a couple years now.

[@wqrriorc8539]

2:16 - LOL

[@chrispswann6825]

In 2010 the Senators traded backup goalie Alex Auld to the Dallas Stars for a 6th round pick. The Sens used that pick to draft Mark Stone.

[@grahamdamberger7130]

Mark Stone would then be dealt to Vegas for a king's ransom of riches. Can't remember what Ottawa did with those riches received, though.

[@megashaan1563]

Funny how these trades turn out. Dzingel trade by itself was fantastic, BUT: - Duclair lost for nothing - OTT gave up a 3rd and 7th to move Murray with salary retention to TOR - 2021 2nd could've been moved for Arvidsson or Graves at the expansion draft. Instead, it's 20 games of Derek Stepan.

[@BudNucks]

Bro can we get some different music on this thing? Change it up a bit?? I really like trade trees tho so respect ✊

[@sultanofswing44]

Senators scouting is probably the teams best quality. Either that or their development. Or both I guess.

[@jobemi2422]

Dorion comes from a scouting background. His dad was a scout for the leafs for a long time and Dorian was a scout before becoming GM of Ottawa. Always been good at that aspect of it. Due have a tendency to give up on guys to early though (Demitra, Lehner, Zibanejad)

[@zlinedavid]

@@jobemi2422 On behalf of the Blues...all due gratitude to Gauthier for the gift that was Demitra. He's still very highly regarded in St. Louis and the fact that #38 hasn't been retired yet is starting to border on criminal.

[@jerryjanik480]

If you got to do the trades tree for Pat LaFontaine

[@live4theleafs11]

Definitely a great player...my go to memory is always the hand shake D bump that resulted in a goal tho 😆...who's with me? Can't doubt that skill tho

[@Lukedolan33]

Marian Gaborik to CBJ is a fun trade tree

[@loganbrunet3745]

You should do Jt Miller to Tampa

[@nicolasvictoire]

Kovalev was among my favourite #Hab for sure!

[@patricktherrien3323]

Craig Rivet from Montreal to San José please

[@jcanfieldschatz]

How about an Ian Cole 🎄?

[@jtes9114]

Blake wheeler to Atlanta trade tree?

[@davidschenker182]

Please do the Rangers/Columbus Rick Nash trade

[@nysportsfan42]

What about a Brandon Saad cumulative trade tree?

[@lavans06]

I still play NHL99...put him on various teams in various career modes, he's done alright xD

[@zachn]

nhl 99 was the shiiiii

[@tonskudaigle]

To be more precise it was a straight up Murray for a now 47 year old retired Kovalev trade! Not bad by the Sens, not bad at all.

[@AlanNadeauIII]

LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLllove these trade trees!

[@marcst-maurice111]

how about the Gretzky trade . That would be cool.-

[@jordanweller7485]

Do the Trevor Linden 1998 trade

[@yanicrobertson1359]

my favourite player 😭

[@waynemclean1799]

Wow

[@AEMoreira81]

Do the Rick Martin trade tree! How a bad hit by Ryan Walter and Mike Palmateer in November 1980 helped the Blues win the 2019 Stanley Cup. Tom Barrasso was an initial part, but trading Ryan O'Reilly helped sprout a new branch of that tree.

[@danyheatleyall-star3677]

Artyom Zub for calder

[@jeremyneal3749]

Stuetzle

[@shiv3510]

You should do the Trevor Linden trade tree

[@o0JetStream0o]

Flash forward 2 months and that other 2nd rounder pick from Columbus is traded for Stepan

[@braedenlamont9186]

AK27! as a Habs fan I cant say anything but good things about Kovalev.

[@MJXtube]

Still waiting for the tree of Ron Francis, Ulf, and Grant Jennings to Pgh from Hartford for John Cullen & Zarley Zalapski. Grant Jennings wound up on the Maple Leafs, and the Pens would end the tree with losing Marc Andre Fleury to the expansion draft. ~15 year span.

[@coreyhill681]

Can you do Eric Karlsson trade tree

[@TravisRS]

Jets fans watching those Ryan Dzingel highlights...

[@amandacoly9783]

Hey Travis

[@UncleAnaesthesia]

Alex Kovalev had the silkiest stride and hands, even when age caught up with him.

[@shawnevans666]

Can you do a Trevor Linden trade tree please?

[@Kastrenzo74]

Senators in last place, did getting Murray really change anything?

[@dooodooo3474]

Duclaire staying in Ottawa tho, that should be a dang it Steve lmao

[@gorlaaaaami]

Wait...wait...Ottawa has an NHL team?

[@grahamdamberger7130]

Murray didn't play all that good for Ottawa this past season and ended up sharing the net with both Hogberg And Daccord. Nevertheless, I think he will be more hungry for a bounceback season this fall, or spring for viewers in the southern hemisphere. Edit: Murray was traded to Toronto along with a 3rd and a 7th in exchange for future considerations, which is basically nothing, but the trade tree continues because of it. And Duclair signed with the Panthers during the 2020 off-season before the 2021 season started in January, so his branch is done. All that's left is the 2021 2nd rounder to keep the tree going.

[@nitemareish]

And the sens used that on Derek Stepan, and that officially closes the trade tree.

[@killerbeau97]

Kovalev should have finished his career as a hab