Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Matt Murray is facing an indefinite absence from the team, as announced on Wednesday. This news comes as a blow to the Leafs, who will now have to make adjustments to their roster for the upcoming 2023-24 season. Here’s everything you need to know about Murray’s situation:
Murray, who is 26 years old, played 26 games for the Leafs last season. During that time, he had a record of 14-8-2 with a goals against average (GAA) of 3.01 and a save percentage of .903. These statistics show that Murray was a solid performer for the team and played a significant role in their success.
However, Murray’s time with the Leafs has been plagued by injuries. He suffered an adductor injury during a morning skate on October 15, 2022, which forced him to miss at least four weeks of play. Later in the season, Murray landed on injured reserve due to an ankle injury on February 9. Unfortunately, his injuries didn’t end there, as he suffered a head injury against the Detroit Red Wings and was unable to play for the remainder of the season.
As a result of his ongoing injury concerns, Murray will be placed on long-term injury reserve (LTIR) prior to the start of the 2023-24 season. This move allows the Leafs to free up salary cap space and make necessary adjustments to their roster. It also means that Murray’s return to the ice is uncertain at this time.
Murray’s journey with the Leafs began on July 11, 2022, when he was acquired from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for future considerations, as well as a 2023 third-round pick and a 2024 seventh-round pick. Prior to joining the Leafs, Murray had stints with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Senators, making Toronto his third NHL team.
Throughout his career, Murray has had an impressive record of 146 wins, 86 losses, and 24 overtime losses. He has a career goals against average of 2.79 and a save percentage of .910. Murray’s most notable achievements include winning back-to-back Stanley Cups with the Penguins in 2015-16 and 2016-17. These accomplishments highlight his skill and ability as a goaltender.
While Murray’s absence will undoubtedly be felt by the Leafs, the team will need to adapt and find alternative solutions in his absence. This could involve relying on their backup goaltender or potentially exploring the trade market for a replacement. Regardless of the path they choose, the Leafs will need to make strategic decisions to ensure their success in the upcoming season.
In conclusion, Matt Murray’s indefinite absence from the Toronto Maple Leafs due to injury is a significant setback for the team. His solid performance last season and previous achievements make him a valuable asset to the team. However, the Leafs will now have to navigate the challenges of his absence and find ways to compensate for his loss. The upcoming season will undoubtedly test their depth and resilience as they strive for success without Murray between the pipes.