Maple Leafs' Goaltending Depth Takes a Big Hit Over the Weekend
The Maple Leafs' goaltending depth is the strongest it has been in years, but it took a significant hit due to injury to Matt Murray on Saturday.
After recovering from bi-lateral hip surgery, Matt Murray shocked many when he and the Maple Leafs agreed to terms on a 1-year, $875K deal on July 1st.
Murray, who hasn't played an NHL regular season game since 2023, is looking to rejuvenate his career and prove he can still be an NHL goaltender.
The Thunder Bay, Ontario native had been off to an excellent start this season with the Marlies, but was unfortunately injured late in the first period of the Marlies' game on Saturday, favouring his left leg after making a save off of a routine point shot.
Prior to leaving Saturday's game, Murray had posted a 2-1-2 record with a .912 save percentage and a 2.42 GAA.
Although unfortunate for Murray, his injury will allow Dennis Hildeby to resume a heavy workload and give more opportunity to prospect Artur Akhtyamov, who has looked outstanding in 8 games, going 7-0-1 with two shutouts while posting a ridiculous 1.70 GAA and .933 save percentage.
The Marlies sit fourth in the North Division with a record of 11-3-5, five points back of the Laval Rocket. To be just five points back of the division while playing without a number of their key contributors up front due to all the injuries the Leafs have faced is impressive.
The Marlies should be getting some of them back this week as the Leafs begin to get healthier.
