It’s been 626 days since Matt Murray last played in the NHL, but with the Toronto Maple Leafs’ starting goalie Anthony Stolarz injured, that drought may be coming to an end.
Murray has been enjoying a bounce-back season in the AHL with the Toronto Marlies after missing all of last season due to hip surgery.
That includes a 27-save shutout against the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins on Wednesday night.
The Marlies’ 3-0 victory gave Murray his fourth win of the season. He’s played eight games total and has a .919 save percentage.
Craig Berube reacted to Murray’s shutout after the Leafs 5-3 win over the Dallas Stars on Wednesday.
“That’s encouraging. That’s great for him and the Marlies. And this guy’s got a lot of experience, and he’s won,” Berube said. “So, we’re gonna look at everything and make some decisions.”
This season, the Leafs have had Stolarz and Joseph Woll sharing the duties in net, but with Stolarz not scheduled to return for four to six weeks, Toronto needs to bring up some AHL helpers.
Splitting time between the pipes has been successful in helping to manage Woll’s injuries, and the Leafs have already recalled Dennis Hildeby from the Marlies to aid on an emergency basis. With his recent success in the AHL, Murray could be the next to get action.
