Veteran goaltender Matt Murray is embarking on a new chapter, having recently inked a one-year, $1 million contract with the Seattle Kraken as free agency commenced on July 1st. This move marks a significant transition for the two-time Stanley Cup champion, particularly following a three-season tenure with the Toronto Maple Leafs that saw its share of challenges.
In a recent podcast appearance, Murray offered candid reflections on his time in Toronto, shed light on his decision to join the Kraken, and provided a seasoned perspective on what he sees as a concerning trend in the development of young netminders today.
Finding Familiarity in Seattle
For Murray, the choice to head to the Pacific Northwest was heavily influenced by familiar faces within the Kraken organization. “There are a lot of things that attracted me out there; the biggest one was the people for sure, though,” he stated. He cited his positive past working with Jason Botterill in Pittsburgh, where they celebrated two Stanley Cups together while Botterill was Assistant General Manager. The presence of Lane Lambert, whom Murray knew from his time with the Leafs last season, and the team`s new goalie coach, Colin Zulianello, also factored into his comfort level and decision.
Relying on established relationships appears to be a key element for the 31-year-old as he navigates transitions in his career.
A `Special Place` in His Heart for Toronto
Despite the injury struggles and performance inconsistencies that sometimes defined his term with the Maple Leafs, Murray`s personal connection to the franchise remains deeply positive. “There is a special place in my heart for the Toronto Maple Leafs,” he shared, explaining the sentimental value tied to family history – it was his father`s favorite team and the site of his very first NHL game as a spectator.
“I thought it was the honour of a lifetime to wear that jersey,” he reflected, emphasizing the unique significance the Maple Leafs logo held for him due to these connections. “It had a special, special place in my heart just from family history – I enjoyed every second; I absolutely loved it.” It`s a sentiment that underscores the emotional weight the blue and white jersey carries for many, extending even to those who wear it professionally.
A Veteran`s Take on Goaltending Development
Looking beyond his own career path, Murray voiced a thought-provoking concern about the current state of goaltender development in hockey. He posited that the decline in the number of elite netminders might boil down to a simple factor: it`s “not as cool to be a goalie as it once was.”
He elaborated on this point, suggesting that goalies historically possessed a certain “cool factor” that encouraged young players to strap on the pads. While acknowledging the immense pressure and blame often directed at those in net as contributing factors, Murray ultimately feels the position itself has lost some of its inherent appeal and enjoyment compared to previous eras.
From a technical standpoint, Murray finds modern goalies appear somewhat “cookie-cutter.” He believes the increased technicality of the position has potentially led to a loss of athleticism, resulting in many young goaltenders exhibiting similar styles rather than developing unique, athletic approaches. It seems, to Murray, the sheer fun and individuality that once characterized the position might be less visible today.
Praise for a Former Teammate
Amidst his broader commentary on goaltending, Murray offered high praise for a specific former teammate: Joseph Woll. Murray clearly holds Woll in high regard, stating, “I love Joe; I loved all the time that I spent with him.”
He pinpointed Woll`s mental resilience as a standout quality, attributing it to the young goaltender`s “very wide perspective on life.” Murray suggested that having a broader view of the world helps Woll better handle the intense, pressure-packed moments inherent to the position. Offering a warm endorsement, Murray concluded, “I`ll miss sitting next to him, but in Toronto, they got a real keeper there in my opinion.” A fitting pun, perhaps, for a player he so clearly respects.
As Matt Murray transitions to the Seattle Kraken, joining a goaltending tandem that includes Philipp Grubauer and Joey Daccord, he leaves behind a chapter in Toronto marked by both personal challenges and a clear, enduring affection for the Maple Leafs organization and its place in his personal history. His insights into the nuances of the goaltending world provide a valuable, if perhaps slightly nostalgic, look at the evolution of the position from the perspective of a veteran who has seen it all.
Tristan Blackwood