Veteran goaltender Matt Murray has embarked on a new chapter in his NHL career, signing a one-year, $1 million contract with the Seattle Kraken as free agency commenced on July 1st. This move marks his departure from the Toronto Maple Leafs organization after two seasons.
Shortly after the signing, Murray offered insights into his time in Toronto, his perspective on the current state of goaltending development, and his decision to join the Kraken during an appearance on the *JD Bunkis Podcast*. His reflections provide a candid look at a player transitioning to a new team while maintaining strong ties to past experiences.
Murray expressed a profound connection to the Maple Leafs despite his tenure being impacted by injuries. “There is a special place in my heart for the Toronto Maple Leafs,” he stated, citing his father`s lifelong fandom and his own first NHL game attendance as key reasons. He described wearing the Maple Leaf jersey as “the honour of a lifetime” and conveyed genuine enjoyment of his time with the club, emphasizing the personal significance rooted in family history.
The decision to sign with Seattle was significantly influenced by familiar faces within the Kraken organization. Murray highlighted reuniting with figures like Jason Botterill, with whom he shared two Stanley Cup victories during their time in Pittsburgh, as well as reconnecting with Lane Lambert, a former associate from his time in Toronto, and new goalie coach Colin Zulianello. This network of known personnel evidently provided a crucial element of comfort and attraction to his new destination.
Beyond his personal move, Murray offered a thought-provoking analysis of why there seems to be a scarcity of high-quality goaltenders emerging in hockey today. He posited that being a goalie might simply “not be as cool as it once was,” suggesting a potential decline in the position`s appeal to young players. Furthermore, he observed a stylistic shift, noting that many modern goalies appear “cookie-cutter,” having potentially sacrificed athleticism for technical rigidity. While acknowledging the inherent pressure and blame goaltenders often face – another deterrent – he ultimately feels the position, from an external perspective, just doesn`t look “as much fun as it once was.” It`s a veteran`s lament, perhaps, for a bygone era of more individualistic, acrobatic netminding.
Despite his critical view on the broader development landscape, Murray holds former Maple Leafs teammate Joseph Woll in high regard. He spoke fondly of their time together, praising Woll`s mental resilience. Murray attributed this strength to Woll`s “very wide perspective on life,” suggesting that a broader worldview equips a goaltender better to handle high-pressure situations. In Murray`s estimation, the Maple Leafs have “a real keeper there” in Woll, a significant endorsement from a two-time Cup champion.
Murray joined the Maple Leafs organization ahead of the 2022-23 season and spent two seasons with the club, though his playing time was limited by injuries, particularly in his final year. He now joins a Seattle Kraken goaltending depth chart that includes established netminders Philipp Grubauer and Joey Daccord, adding a layer of experience as he looks to contribute to his new team.
