Two-time Stanley Cup champion goaltender Matt Murray has embarked on a new chapter, signing a one-year, $1 million deal with the Seattle Kraken as NHL free agency commenced on July 1. The move brings valuable veteran experience to the Pacific Northwest crease.
Speaking recently on the JD Bunkis Podcast, Murray offered a candid look back at his preceding years with the Toronto Maple Leafs, alongside his broader perspectives on the specialized world of goaltending development.
A Fond Look Back at Toronto
For Murray, his time wearing the Maple Leaf jersey carried significant personal weight. He described the experience as `the honour of a lifetime,` deeply influenced by family history. The team held, and continues to hold, `a special place in my heart,` rooted in it being his father`s favorite team and the site of his very first NHL game attended as a fan. Despite the on-ice challenges he may have encountered during his tenure, Murray was unequivocal in his positive sentiment, stating he `enjoyed every second; I absolutely loved it.`
Insights on Goaltending Development
Beyond his personal reflections, Murray delved into a more technical, and perhaps slightly pointed, analysis of the current landscape of goaltending development. He posited a surprisingly simple reason for a perceived scarcity of truly distinct, top-tier netminders emerging today: `I don’t think it’s as cool to be a goalie as it once was.` This observation suggests a decline in the inherent allure or `cool factor` of the position that might influence young athletes` choices, coupled with the well-known pressures and disproportionate blame often directed towards goaltenders.
Furthermore, Murray noted a trend towards homogeneity in modern goaltending styles. He described many contemporary goalies as appearing `a little bit cookie-cutter,` arguing that the game has become excessively technical. This intense focus on precise technique, he believes, may have inadvertently come at the expense of developing natural athleticism and individual flair. In his view, this technical rigidity makes playing the position look less overtly enjoyable compared to previous eras, where goalies might have showcased more varied and perhaps entertaining approaches.
Praise for a Former Teammate
Amidst his broader critique of positional trends, Murray singled out a former teammate for notable praise. He spoke highly of Toronto`s own goaltender, Joseph Woll, expressing his genuine affection and respect developed during their time together. Murray highlighted Woll`s `very wide perspective on life` as a key attribute contributing to his mental resilience, particularly crucial when facing the intense pressures of the Toronto market and the position itself. In a clear endorsement, he called Woll `a real keeper` for the Maple Leafs, emphasizing the value of his mindset beyond just technical skill.
New Beginnings in Seattle
Murray`s move to Seattle follows a recent period in Toronto where he saw limited action last season, recording a 3.54 goals-against average and a .879 save percentage in 2 starts. His arrival with the Kraken places him alongside incumbent goaltenders Philipp Grubauer and Joey Daccord, adding a layer of veteran depth and experience, including a notable championship pedigree, to their goaltending trio for the upcoming season.
