Matt Murray reveals why he opted to re-sign with the Maple Leafs

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Ryan Smitheram
August 13, 2024 (9:50)

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Matt Murray's health is why he chose to stay in Toronto

Photo credit: USA Today

Matt Murray has revealed that he chose to re-sign with the Maple Leafs for a very specific reason and also shared what he is hoping to accomplish this season.

The oft-injured Murray appeared on the on the 'Slangin' the Bizkit' podcast on Monday and discussed his injury, the decision to have hip surgery, why he signed a 1-year deal in Toronto and what he hopes to accomplish in 2024-25.

"This year is just about proving that I can stay healthy and that I got a nice little reset with the surgery, so proving that I can stay healthy and get the job done," Murray said. "That's why I took a one-year deal and it's kind of like a 'prove it' deal to see what I can do and see if I can do both of those things: stay healthy and prove I can still get the job done."

Murray missed all of last season after undergoing bilateral hip surgery, but returned for a conditioning stint with the Toronto Marlies where his numbers were less than ideal (1-2-0, 4.03 GAA and .846 SV%). However, that was expected for someone that had not seen game action in a calendar year.

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Murray's numbers with the Leafs during the 2022-2023 season were also less than ideal. The two-time Stanley Cup winner went 14-8-2 that year and finished with sub-par peripherals as he slumped to a 3.01 GAA and a .903 SV% in 26 games.

Murray surprisingly signed a 1-year, $875K deal with the Leafs when free agency opened, but revealed that he wanted to stay in Toronto for a very specific reason, relating to his health and treatment.

"The way that we're treated here, the facilities are great, it's close to home for me, which is obviously really nice. I could go on and on about why I like playing here, but the Leafs definitely have a special place in my heart. I felt very fortunate to get the opportunity to sign another one-year [contract] here and stay right where I want to be."

With Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz taking their first ventures into more prominent roles, Murray could play a similar role the Leafs to the one Martin Jones did last year..When Ilya Samsonov and Woll went down with injury, Jones received a solid run as the team's #1 netminder and he didn't disappoint. The hope for Murray is that he can do the same.

Source: The Hockey News�My Hips Haven't Felt This Good In A Long, Long Time': Maple Leafs Goaltender Matt Murray on His One-Year �Prove It' Deal and Renewed Optimism After Bilateral Hip Surgery

Source: Hockey Reference Matt Murray Stats

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13 AOUT \| 948 ANSWERS Matt Murray reveals why he opted to re-sign with the Maple Leafs Will Murray start more games than Woll or Stolarz?
Yes, more than Woll	53	5.6 %
Yes, more than Stolarz	99	10.4 %
Yes, more than both	50	5.3 %
No, not more than either	746	78.7 %
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