Goaltender Matt Murray returned to NHL action last night for the first time in almost two years, starting for the Toronto Maple Leafs in their Friday night tilt against the Buffalo Sabres. While Murray did let three goals in, the Leafs managed to pick up a 6–3 victory. And in the process, provided Murray with a solid ‘welcome back game’ to the NHL.
Even just months ago, some thought Murray might not get another shot in hockey’s top league, and while he is far from a permanent fixture within the Leafs’ goalie rotation, his return to the NHL could be the start of something special for the 30-year-old Thunder Bay native.
Let’s look back at Murray’s history with the Leafs, as well as his strong play in the AHL this season that earned him the shot he is currently getting.
Murray’s introduction in Toronto and injury history
Murray had an interesting history when he came to the Leafs in July of 2022. On one hand, Murray had been the primary goaltender ahead of veteran Marc-Andre Fleury for a Pittsburgh Penguins team that won back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017. On the other hand, when he was acquired from the Ottawa Senators along with a third and seventh-round draft pick for future considerations, he was coming off two underwhelming, injury-riddled seasons with the Sens on an expensive contract that paid him $6.25M per season.
Murray’s arrival in Toronto came with much anticipation from fans. With the 2022 offseason exit of starting netminder Jack Campbell, the top-goalie job was open for the taking, and with Murray’s past success, many saw him as the obvious choice to take the reigns. But, Murray would suffer multiple injuries throughout the 2022–23 campaign, including a season-ending concussion just before the playoffs. With that, Ilya Samsonov was primarily given the starting reigns for the Leafs and Murray—who would continue to suffer from injuries at the AHL level—would not see any more NHL action. Until now.
The rising of Murray from the ashes
While Murray only played three games with the Toronto Marlies in 2023–24, putting up a lacklustre .846 save percentage, it has been a much different story to start the 2024–25 season. Murray has been putting up excellent numbers for the Marlies including an incredible .931 save percentage and an equally impressive 1.85 goals against average. On top of that, Murray picked up two shutout victories in a row in his last two games for the Marlies.
That sort of play, combined with the unfortunate injury to primary netminder Anthony Stolarz—who will be out four to six weeks with a lower-body injury—was the perfect storm that led to the Leafs recalling Murray from the Marlies for Friday’s game against the Sabres. And if Murray can keep stacking up wins like he did last night when given the chance, he could earn himself more opportunities with the NHL club.
I’m not going to sit here and say that Murray will take over the backup spot for the Leafs this season. Stolarz and Joseph Woll have those on lock for now. But, given any future injuries between the pipes, Murray has the chance to cement himself as the go-to replacement ahead of fellow Marlies goalie Dennis Hildeby. And if Murray can remain healthy he can be a great depth piece for the Leafs or perhaps even build up his market value for when he becomes a UFA this summer. Either way, a Matt Murray NHL comeback would be a great feel-good story, and Friday’s victory against Buffalo could be the start of just that.
