After facing injury setbacks and some struggles, veteran NHL goaltender Matt Murray is on the verge of making his return to the Toronto Maple Leafs, as confirmed by NHL insider Elliotte Friedman. Murray, 30, is preparing to take the ice again with the Leafs, which would mark his first NHL appearance since April 2, 2023. He’s been excelling at the AHL level with the Toronto Marlies, posting impressive numbers this season, including 1.85 goals-against average and .931 save percentage across eight games.
It has been over 626 days since Murray last donned the Maple Leafs' jersey for an NHL game and, thanks to the injury to No. 1 goalie Anthony Stolarz, the timing could not be more perfect for him. After Stolarz underwent knee surgery and is expected to be out for four to six weeks, Murray is expected to take up the starting role, starting with the game against the Buffalo Sabres this Friday or against the New York Islanders on Saturday.
"Sounds like it is Matt Murray time in Toronto," tweeted Friedman, highlighting Murray's imminent rise back to the NHL stage. With Murray's recent performances, including last night's 27-save shutout against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, he has shown himself more than capable when healthy, capturing the attention of both fans and the coaching staff alike.
Notably, Toronto has also relied on Joseph Woll, who was being positioned as the No. 1 alternative following Stolarz’s injury. Woll must now adjust to the heavier workload, and having Murray as a backup is sure to ease some concern for the coaching staff. Leafs coach Craig Berube commented on Murray's recent accomplishments, saying, "That’s encouraging. That’s great for him and the Marlies. And this guy’s got a lot of experience, and he’s won." His experience and past success could prove invaluable to the team during this transition period.
Throughout his career, Murray has recorded considerable success, including winning two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins during the 2016 and 2017 seasons. Across 272 NHL appearances, Murray boasts a respectable .910 save percentage and 2.79 goals-against average. Although his past season with the Maple Leafs saw struggles due to injuries, he has remained determined to reestablish himself as a reliable NHL goaltender.
The Marlies have benefited from Murray's performance this season. With four wins including notable shutouts under his belt, the AHL veteran appears to be poised for another chance to reclaim his spot among NHL goalies. Murray, who once looked like the next big thing for Pittsburgh’s goaltending, faced challenges with health issues post-surgery, but is now seemingly ready to rebound and contribute once more.
Yet, the increasing expectations to perform well can create heavy pressure for Murray. There are questions about whether he can rise to the challenge and fulfill the high hopes placed upon him. Preceding previous success could falter against the Leafs' current dynamic and the controversy surrounding the volatility of the goaltending market. While he has the capability of excellent performance on his side, there is still uncertainty surrounding his position and his future with the team.
Murray's potential return not only brings back his competitive spirit but may also position him as the centerpiece for discussions surrounding goaltending options on the Toronto roster. His performance, particularly during this stint back with the Leafs, could either cement his place back on the team or lead to his exit if he falters. If all goes well, he may even emerge as the Maple Leafs’ nominee for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, which honors players who embody perseverance and dedication.
It’s clear there’s optimism surrounding Matt Murray's potential for renewed efficacy on the ice. With fans eagerly anticipating the return of the talented goalie, the opportunity against strong opponents like Buffalo and New York will be pivotal. Every game could be both a test and a chance for Murray to validate his place once again as part of the NHL elite. The coming weeks will undoubtedly be key—not just for Murray but for the Maple Leafs as they aim to secure their standing as serious contenders for playoff success.
