Prospect Sergei Murashov gets comfortable in U.S., awaits spot on Penguins goalie depth chart

Linguistically, culturally and in a variety of additional ways, the differences between the United States and Russia seem vast.

Pittsburgh Penguins goalie prospect Sergei Murashov, born in Yaroslavl, Russia, and now embarking on a pro hockey career in the U.S., can attest to the contrast.

But the 20-year-old Murashov, who has spent roughly a week in total in the U.S., continues to downplay the adjustment he has had to make.

“For me, it’s not so big difference between Russia and USA,” he said Thursday at the Penguins’ Cranberry practice complex. “This may be weird, but I feel really comfortable here, and people are really friendly.

“Russian people are also kind — they’re really kind — but I think Americans just show it more. I really enjoy being here, and everything is going smoothly for me.”

A fourth-round pick by the Penguins in 2022, Murashov was a last-second addition to the club’s development camp in July.

Murashov’s attendance there marked his first time in the U.S., and he quickly seemed to acclimate well to new surroundings.

After inking a three-year, entry-level deal with the Penguins at the end of July, Murashov is now back in the U.S. among the group of 25 players the team is sending to this weekend’s Prospects Challenge in Buffalo, N.Y.

The decision to join the Penguins as opposed to remain in Russia, where he had put up encouraging numbers in the Russian junior league (MHL) as well as in a handful of KHL contests, is one Murashov made with conviction.

“I think there were many factors of my decision,” he said. “I talked to many people about it and got some recommendations. Also, my visit here to U.S. definitely impressed me, and I really enjoyed my time.

“I think I’m looking forward for the season now. It’s a great opportunity for me to be in such an organization. … I’m really happy to be here.”

The obvious question for Murashov moving forward is where he will begin his North American hockey journey.

At the ECHL level, the Penguins have a steady netminding presence in 23-year-old Taylor Gauthier. He went 24-16-1 with a 2.23 goals-against average and .923 save percentage last season over 42 games with the Wheeling Nailers en route to winning ECHL Goaltender of the Year honors.

At Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League, one of the Penguins’ most promising and potentially NHL-ready prospects is goaltender Joel Blomqvist.

Last season, the 22-year-old Finn went 25-12-6 with a 2.16 GAA and .921 save percentage in 45 games.

Additionally, the Penguins added Filip Larsson, a 2016 draft pick by the Detroit Red Wings who spent the last few years playing in Sweden, to their system in the spring.

Murashov is aware of the current logjam at goalie inside the organization.

But for now, he’s focused on the Prospects Challenge.

“My closest goal is just to play well (in Buffalo),” he said. “I feel like after this tournament, it will be clear, but I don’t think so much about that. Just focus on the present, focus on the moment and everything I need to adjust to work and enjoy this time.”

A highlight for Murashov on Thursday in Cranberry before the Penguins prospects traveled to Buffalo was meeting center Evgeni Malkin, who partook in an informal skate.

Naturally, Murashov was a bit starstruck by his countryman and enjoyed briefly getting to say hello.

Whatever happens this weekend in Buffalo, Murashov plans to continue taking things a day at a time while familiarizing Penguins’ management with his abilities.

“Just stop pucks, as always,” Murashov said. “I think every goalie here wants to be the first, but for me, I focus on my own game, focus on my own stuff and just try to push myself,” he said. “All I can do is prepare well, work hard and enjoy this time. … I don’t care about things which are out of my control.”