Could Stanley Cup Winner Matt Murray Join the Firebirds? Plus Rookie Camp and Palm Springs Power Update

Welcome to the NBC Palm Springs Sports Desk with Tim O'Brien, brought to you by Agua Caliente Casinos.

The NHL’s free agency period is officially underway, and while it's quiet in the desert right now, the moves happening up north may have big implications for Firebirds fans.

The Seattle Kraken have signed Stanley Cup-winning goaltender Matt Murray and defenseman Ryan Lindgren. With Joey Daccord locked in as Seattle’s starter and Philip Grubauer still under contract, there’s a possibility Murray — who spent last season in the AHL — could suit up in the Coachella Valley. If that happens, the Firebirds would boast a dominant goaltending tandem with Murray and Niklas Kokko, one of the league’s most promising young netminders.

Murray, who won a Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins, posted a stellar 1.72 goals-against average last season with Toronto’s AHL affiliate.

Meanwhile, in Seattle, the Kraken Rookie Development Camp kicked off, and young prospects — including recent No. 8 overall pick Jake O’Brien — hit the ice. O’Brien, a 6’2” forward, scored 16 goals and 17 assists in 34 games last season in the Ontario Hockey League. He’s expected to make his way to the desert in a few years.

The rookies even got a skate with team president and NHL Hall of Famer Ron Francis, who shared some on-ice wisdom with the next generation of talent.

Firebirds head coach Derek Laxdal was also spotted in Seattle, sporting a summer tan and keeping a close eye on future Firebirds.

Back in the desert, Palm Springs Power is gearing up for its biggest night of the year. This Friday’s home game against the PCSL All-Stars will feature a massive 4th of July fireworks show immediately after the game. First pitch is at 6 p.m.

And mark your calendars: July 11 is NBC Palm Springs Night at Palm Springs Power Stadium. NBC's Olivia Sandusky is scheduled to throw out the first pitch — even if she’s trying to dodge the spotlight.

That’s a wrap on sports. I’m Tim O’Brien.

Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.