Apples and oranges. Deadline rentals always command higher prices as teams know their situation much better (contender status, roster holes, etc.). That’s not new or unusual that deadline prices are higher. Canes were going for it and willing to pay to help out their injured D.
I’m not saying this isn’t a good deal/good risk to take for NJ, it certainly is. I’m saying 2 things. 1) i don’t think a lot of teams, particularly in this cost environment, were going to give up a lot for Murray right now because of his AAV and injury history. I couldn’t see him getting a 1st or 2nd for sure right now, even without the Covid situation. If Murray stays healthy, he’s a good player so it’s a no brainer for NJ. If he does and not interested in re-signing (and NJ isn’t a playoff team), I could even see them flipping him for much more than they paid for him at the deadline (as deadline prices are higher) Net: if he stays healthy it’s a great deal for NJ
2. If he plays only 50% and leaves via Ufa, it’s still an ok deal for NJ, but not some super steal, just alright.
CLB was ok moving him as they likely felt his cost and injury history were no longer worth it and this was their best offer.
good risk to take on NJ’s part with little downside other than salary, and enough upside to make it an easy move.