Matt Murray: A Retrospective on Triumphs and Tribulations
In his retrospective on a career marked by triumphs and tribulations, NHL goaltender Matt Murray describes his entry into professional hockey as both “surreal” and “surprising.” Selected 83rd in the 2012 NHL Draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins, Murray quickly showcased his talent with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in the AHL. He broke the record for the longest shutout streak in AHL history, clocking in at 304:11 minutes, and set a rookie record with 12 shutouts, asserting himself as a formidable player in his first full professional season.
Rising Star in the NHL
Murray received his initial call-up to the NHL just before Christmas in 2015, where he played 13 regular-season games with the Penguins. His performance was impressive—winning nine games with a save percentage of .930 and a goals-against average of 2.00. As the Penguins embarked on the playoffs, Murray stepped in as the starting goalie, replacing Marc-Andre Fleury, who was suffering from post-concussion issues. At only 22 years old, he played a pivotal role in helping the team capture the Stanley Cup in 2016.
The following season, the Penguins defended their championship title with Murray again in goal for 47 games. He earned a spot on the NHL’s All-Rookie Team and was recognized in the Calder Trophy voting, finishing fourth. In that playoff run, Murray notched seven wins in 10 starts, while his stellar 1.70 goals-against average and .937 save percentage impressed many.
Challenges and Changes
Reflecting on back-to-back Stanley Cup victories, Murray, now 31, acknowledges the significant toll that success at such a high level took on him.
“I learned a lot about winning, but also about the sacrifices involved,”
he stated, detailing how the physical strain accelerated wear and tear on his hips—issues he had been grappling with since starting his career nearly ten years earlier.
On October 7, 2020, Murray was traded to the Ottawa Senators, but his time in Ottawa was brief as he was moved to the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2022. Due to ongoing injuries, he played merely 54 games between the NHL and AHL over the subsequent seasons. In light of his struggles, Murray made the tough decision to undergo bilateral hip surgery in October 2023, recognizing he had endured significant physical setbacks for far too long.
A Fresh Start
Emerging from his surgery, he experienced for the first time, true physical well-being, leading to a fresh start with the Toronto Maple Leafs. This past summer, he signed with the Seattle Kraken, where he will reconnect with former colleagues—Jason Botterill, Lane Lambert, and goalie coach Colin Zulianello. Murray now aims to regain his form while playing for the AHL’s Coachella Valley Firebirds and supporting NHL teammates Joey Daccord and Philipp Grubauer.
“You want to be in a place where you look forward to working every day and feel you can achieve success,”
Murray explained, expressing confidence in his newfound team environment. As he reflects on a decade filled with both accomplishments and challenges, Murray emphasizes a valuable lesson to his past self:
“Chill out and enjoy it. As you age, you realize that your youthful energy can also harbor anxiety. Just enjoy the ride, and that’s what I aim to do now.”
Conclusion
This feature is part of The Hockey News’ Prospects Unlimited issue, which highlights rising stars like Macklin Celebrini, Connor Bedard, and several others, along with an exploration of each NHL team’s prospect pool and insights into various league systems, including the AHL, ECHL, and NCAA. Subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/Free for access to this issue and a rich archive of hockey articles spanning over 76 years.
