Maple Leafs Officially Decide Matt Murray's Fate Ahead of Back-to-Back Games
The Toronto Maple Leafs made a big decision regarding their future goaltending situation, recalling Matt Murray from the Toronto Marlies.
It's been over a year since Matt Murray has played in an NHL game, but the veteran netminder will be getting his chance again as the Maple Leafs recalled the goaltender on Friday.
The news was relayed by the Maple Leafs official PR account on X.
Rookie goaltender Dennis Hildeby was sent down in correspondence as he will try and keep the Marlies momentum going alongside fellow prospect Artur Ahktyamov.
With Toronto having Anthony Stolarz out for the next few weeks, and Joseph Woll needing a consistent backup; now is the best time for Murray to come in and help make an impact.
The Long Awaited Return Of Matt Murray
It's been 20 months since Matt Murray last played in an NHL game, and for the veteran netminder it's a long time coming. After undergoing hip surgery last year he made his return to the ice in 2024.
The Hockey News' David Alter showed Murray on the ice with the team during practice on Friday, his first time with the team in over a year.
Having a solid start so far for the Marlies, he recently just had a shutout victory and with the Maple Leafs needing a more consistent backup, there's no one better than Murray.
With Toronto he's gone 14-8-2 with a 3.01 GAA and .903 SV% in a stop-gap emergency role. He is a two-time Stanley Cup Champion with Pittsburgh and brings not only stability, but relative youth as he's still only 30 years old and has a lot left to offer.
For his career, his record stands at 146-86-24 with a 2.79 GAA and .910 SV% with time spent between Pittsburgh, Ottawa, and Toronto.
The Maple Leafs have a back to back on Friday and Saturday and with how inconsistent Dennis Hildeby was, Toronto really had no choice in the matter. It will be great to see Murray back after such an arduous journey back to the NHL.
It's unknown when he is going to get the start but it is presumed that Joseph Woll will play on Friday against Buffalo, meaning Murray will likely play Saturday against the New York Islanders although Craig Berube is known to change his mind on his lineup well after practice.
For the Maple Leafs, it's great that they have such a reliable veteran in their system they can rely upon, and for Murray it's a chance for redemption after such a long time away.
