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Toronto Maple Leafs Lose Beloved Veteran Goaltender to the Seattle Kraken
With Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz locked in for next season, it was becoming clearer than ever that there just wasn't much space for a guy like Matt Murray.
Overall, Matt Murray's story with the Toronto Maple Leafs, and by extension, the Toronto Marlies, has been an inspirational one.
The goaltender has worked through injuries and is still kicking it. While his NHL readiness has been brought into question, no one will ever doubt his work ethic.
Heading into free agency, there were questions about whether or not the Leafs would want to bring him back, especially with Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz locked in.
Today, the Seattle Kraken took Murray from the Leafs, by signing him to a one-year deal worth $1 million. Now, the goaltender will be a third-stringer to Philipp Grubauer and Joey Daccord.
Some Kraken goalie depth was added Tuesday when the team signed one-time Conn Smythe Trophy winner Matt Murray to a one-year, $1 million deal on the opening day of NHL free agency.
The move, made not long after the Kraken inked defenseman Ryan Lindgren to a four-year deal worth $4.5 million annually, creates some added competition heading into training camp. Kraken general manager Jason Botterill already said last week that Philipp Grubauer will be returning to the fold alongside netminder Joey Daccord.
The move, made not long after the Kraken inked defenseman Ryan Lindgren to a four-year deal worth $4.5 million annually, creates some added competition heading into training camp. Kraken general manager Jason Botterill already said last week that Philipp Grubauer will be returning to the fold alongside netminder Joey Daccord.
Ultimately, this is a solid next step for Murray, who remains a goaltender that teams would like to have on their teams.
Matt Murray's career in the NHL
Of course, Murray began his career with the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he won two Stanley Cups as well as a Conn Smythe trophy.
His time with the Penguins will always be remembered fondly. Unfortunately, he then proceeded to bounce around the league, and it wasn't always pretty, especially with the injuries.
Maple Leafs fans will be sad to see him go, although we imagine they are also happy to see that he will get a real opportunity to play NHL hockey again.
Good things come to those who work hard, and Murray is seeing that today.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 1 | 668 ANSWERS Toronto Maple Leafs Lose Beloved Veteran Goaltender to the Seattle Kraken Do you believe Matt Murray will be a success with the Seattle Kraken? | ||
| YES | 199 | 29.8 % |
| NO | 469 | 70.2 % |
| List of polls | ||