Matt Murray returns to Leafs lineup? Major development

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Tom Banks
March 29, 2024 (12:32)

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Matt Murray has been missing for the entire 2023-24 NHL season, but now it appears he's on the verge of a comeback for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Back in October of 2023, it was revealed that Matt Murray underwent hip surgery that many believed could end his season, but that may not be the case after all.

The veteran goaltender's recovery time was predicted to be between 6 and 8 months, priming him for a return in April, and now, he may be on track for that return date. Last week, Murray was spotted skating for the Maple Leafs before practice, and now we have an even more positive update.

Now, it has been revealed that Murray joined the entire team at practice on Friday, with an eye on potentially returning ahead of the upcoming Stanley Cup Playoffs.

UPDATE: Matt Murray officially at Leafs practice with the rest of the group 👀✅

This doesn't mean a return is coming in the next few days, but it's a positive step for Murray that some didn't expect him to take in 2023-24, and with just under a month until the playoffs begin, he could make a surprise return.

Matt Murray taking part in his first Leafs practice of the season

Whether or not the team would opt to use him in the playoffs is another story entirely, but it's possible given the two Stanley Cup rings he led the Pittsburgh Penguins too. For now though, it's a great sign that he's back on the ice and a participant in full Maple Leafs practice, and the team having more options ahead of a critical playoff run will always be a positive thing for a team desperate to make a deep Stanley Cup push.