Matt Murray comments on coming to Toronto and what it means for him to be a Leaf
It hasn't even been 24 hours since the Leafs acquired two-time Stanley Cup winner Matt Murray from the Ottawa Senators, along with a pair of draft picks (3rd in 2023, 7th in 2024) for future considerations, but already Murray has had the opportunity to speak with the Toronto media to field some questions on Tuesday.
Murray kicked off his presser by stating that he was thrilled to be a part of the organization and that he's already getting a sense for how extensive the support team in Toronto truly is before stating that he thinks Toronto is a place he can really thrive. His attention, he says, is now on getting himself and his family established in Toronto and beginning to meet everyone within the organization and becoming acquainted with the guys on the team there as soon as possible.
Murray says he's "extremely motivated" and that he has "a lot to prove" when he steps foot on the ice for the first time as a Leaf. He knows that there's a bit of an uphill battle coming in terms of getting back into game shape and getting back to the level that he knows he can play at. He also brought up the fact that he's excited to pull a Leafs jersey over his head for the first time in his career for a pretty special reason.
"It was definitely my favourite childhood team - it was my dad's favourite team, we used to watch games together, so just being able to put on that jersey for the first time I think is going to be something really special for me."
-Murray on what it means to him to be a Leaf
Murray is the first Leafs goaltender in a very long time that knows what it's like to win a Stanley Cup and what those experiences mean as a player. During the presser, he was asked it meant to win two Cups and how it impacted his mindset throughout his career. In his response, Murray made it very clear that winning is great, but you always want to continue to try to do, even after you've won. He says he's "grateful" that he gets the chance to do it again, this time with the Leafs.
"Winning the Stanley Cup is what we're all here for. It was a dream come true for me and it's something that , of course, you're always pushing towards. I think it taught me a lot of lessons that I can continue to apply here - especially in the city of Toronto. I'm excited and really grateful that I get this opportunity"
-Murray on winning two Cups and what sort of mindset that has instilled in him
There are still a few months ahead of work to (I'm sure) get back to full health and preparation for the upcoming season both physically and mentally, but I count myself among those who are looking forward to seeing what Murray can bring to the table. If he can rebound the way he believes he can from a rough go in Ottawa, the Leafs could have a game-changer in net this season.
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