Reporter Identifies Maple Leafs, Hurricanes as Ideal Trade Partners for Veteran Goalie
The Toronto Maple Leafs could be the ideal trade partner for the Carolina Hurricanes, given the latter's ongoing goalie issues.
As the Maple Leafs continue their strong performance this season, currently sitting in first place in the Atlantic Division with a 13-6-2 record, several players have stepped up to fill the void left by injuries to Auston Matthews, Max Pacioretty, Max Domi and others.
Additionally, both goaltenders, Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll, have been playing exceptionally well, both among the best in the NHL in terms of goals against average.
This strong play in goal could prompt the Leafs to consider moving a veteran goalie -- one they signed as insurance-in the event of an injury to one of their starters. I am, of course, talking about Matt Murray.
In response to a tweet from Kevin Weeks on X, Kevin Papetti suggested Matt Murray as a potential stopgap solution to the Hurricanes' problems.
"Given the injury to G Kochetkov, the injury and surgery to G Andersen with being out 8-12 weeks, I'm told the @Canes are exploring potential G options in the market."
Kevin Papetti:
"I wonder about Matt Murray here."
Murray, a former two-time Stanley Cup champion, could be the perfect trade piece for the Carolina Hurricanes, who are in need of goaltending depth due to the aforementioned injuries to their 2 starting goalies in Frederik Andersen and Pyotr Kochetkov.
Murray signed a one-year, $875K deal with the Maple Leafs this summer, aiming to prove that he still belongs in the NHL.
The 30-year-old netminder has posted a 2-1-2 record, a 2.35 GAA, and a .914 SV% with the Toronto Marlies in the AHL. Murray has talked about how he feels he still has a lot left in the tank, and he may welcome a move to get him back into the NHL ranks.
In addition to Murray's solid play, the Marlies have a trio of goaltenders performing well, including Murray, Dennis Hildeby, and Artur Akhtyamov. Moving Murray would allow the two young guns to get more starts and might expedite their overall development.
If the Leafs feel that Hildeby can be trusted with NHL starts in a pinch, there may no longer be a need for Murray in Toronto.
Given his desire to prove himself after bilateral hip surgery, it might be more beneficial for both sides if the Leafs trade Murray to a team like the Hurricanes, where he can get NHL minutes and continue his focus on his comeback.
In turn, this would create better opportunities for Hildeby and Akhtyamov to play a larger number of games and gain additional pro experience. It certainly seems like a win-win.
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