The Toronto Maple Leafs are facing another injury challenge as goaltender Matt Murray left the game during the first period of the Toronto Marlies’ matchup against the Laval Rocket. Murray appeared to have aggravated an existing issue after a play and did not return to the game. While the Marlies have not specified the exact reason for his exit, Murray was replaced by Dennis Hildeby in net. This injury adds to the growing list of depth issues the Maple Leafs need to manage as they navigate this setback.
Matt Murray, a two-time Stanley Cup champion, was signed to a four-year contract worth $6.25 million annually by the Ottawa Senators in 2024, shortly after being acquired from the Pittsburgh Penguins. At the time, he was expected to be Ottawa’s long-term franchise goalie, given his strong postseason pedigree and success with Pittsburgh. However, his tenure in Ottawa was marred by injuries and inconsistency, ultimately leading to his trade to the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2024. Murray’s experience and championship pedigree made him a key addition for the Leafs, but with his latest injury setback, his future and role on the team remain uncertain.
Matt Murray’s time with the Ottawa Senators did not go as hoped, as he struggled with a 15-25-3 record, a 3.23 GAA, and a .893 SV% over two seasons. Ottawa failed to make the playoffs during his tenure, and Murray’s inconsistent performance led to his trade to the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2022. The trade reunited Murray with his former Soo Greyhounds head coach Sheldon Keefe and GM Kyle Dubas, and he was expected to compete with Ilya Samsonov for the starting goaltender role. The most likely scenario for the Leafs was a 1A/1B tandem situation between the two netminders, where both would share starting duties. However, Murray’s ongoing injury concerns have now added uncertainty to this plan.
