Goalie Matt Murray begins practicing ahead of Potential Return

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Tom Banks
March 22, 2024 (4:07 PM)

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Matt Murray has been out of action all season for the Toronto Maple Leafs, but now he's been spotted on the ice ahead of a potential return.

While he was acquired from Ottawa more than a year ago, Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Matt Murray hasn't seen much ice time with his new team, but that may be about to change. After a solid start, Murray officially underwent hip surgery, with the team giving him a 6-8 month recovery prediction and essentially ruling him out for the year.

That is no longer the case, as the 29-year old has now been spotted on the ice at Maple Leafs practice, with reports stating that he could potentially return ahead of the playoffs.

Matt Murray on the ice ahead of Leafs practice

Mark Masters noted in a later post on X that Murray departed before Maple Leafs practice officially began, with his recovery still having a long way to go before he could be a full participant.

With the trio of Martin Jones, Ilya Samsonov and Joseph Woll all playing significant roles for the team this year, it's hard to see where Murray fits in, but if he can return, he may push his way to either No. 1 or No. 2 status in this goaltender room.

There's still plenty of time to go before a potential return for the two-time Stanley Cup, with his stint at Maple Leafs practice a light one, but it's fantastic signs for the veteran.

In 26 games for Toronto a season ago, Murray put together a solid .903 save percentage along with a 3.01 GAA, and while the team see Woll as the future, if Murray can get back to 100% ahead of the playoffs, his experience will be invaluable for a team looking to break a 50-year Stanley Cup drought.