The Toronto Maple Leafs have added some insurance to their goalie ranks. News emerged on Monday that Matt Murray signed a one-year contract worth $875,000. This deal will expire at the end of the 2024-25 season.
Murray played in 26 games for the Maple Leafs in 2022-23, finishing with a 14-8-2 record and one shutout. He was on the injured list more than once during the season–for the third time in his career.
Matt Murray re-signs with the Maple Leafs on a one-year deal. ✍️#NHLFreeAgency | @BET99ON pic.twitter.com/CMP76AKdIH
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) July 1, 2024
Matt Murray Signed Again
The Toronto Maple Leafs originally traded for Matt Murray with the Ottawa Senators on July 11, 2022, for future considerations and 25% salary retained by Ottawa. He had two years remaining on his contract at that time. Without the retained salary, he would have had a full 6.25 million cap hit on Toronto’s books.
Ottawa received Murray from the Pittsburgh Penguins in October 2020. The Senators signed him to a four-year extension as soon as he became a restricted free agent two days later. While in Ottawa he recorded a total of 47 games across two seasons due to separate injuries. In November 2021, he passed through waivers and played two games for the Senators’ AHL team.
Murray, who was instrumental in the Penguins’ back-to-back Stanley Cup wins, has dealt with at least three separate head/neck injuries. During the 2022-23 season, he was documented with ankle and groin issues.
What It Means to see Matt Murray Signed Again
The Leafs pretty much have their goalie situation solved with Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz getting signed. However, seeing Matt Murray signed to a new deal will provide some insurance. It’s likely that he’ll be the third goalie or spend his season with the Toronto Marlies of the AHL.
Murray is trying to reclaim the game that led the Penguins to a Stanley Cup. Any contribution from him would be a welcome one to the Maple Leafs.
Main photo by: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
