Not only Mitch Marner: Auston Matthews' Maple Leafs lose veteran player to Kraken in free agency

What began as a busy offseason for Auston Matthews’ Toronto Maple Leafs with the departure of Mitch Marner just added another name to the list. On Tuesday, the Seattle Kraken announced the signing of Matt Murray, bringing an end to the veteran goaltender’s time in Toronto.

Murray, 31, inked a one-year contract worth $1 million, marking his first NHL deal since undergoing bilateral hip surgery in October 2023. After spending most of last season in the AHL with the Toronto Marlies, where he quietly delivered a standout campaign, Murray is now headed west in search of a fresh start.

For the Maple Leafs, it’s another change in a summer that has already reshaped the team’s identity. Though he was no longer the primary option in net, Murray’s experience and presence still carried weight inside the locker room.

A quiet but effective comeback in the AHL

Murray’s numbers with the Toronto Marlies were a reminder of his pedigree. In 21 appearances, he posted a 10–5–4 record, 1.72 GAA, .934 save percentage, and three shutouts, showcasing form that had previously earned him two Stanley Cup rings with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016 and 2017.

Filip Chytil #72 of the New York Rangers scores a first period goal past Matt Murray #30 of the Toronto Maple Leafs at Madison Square Garden on December 15, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

While his stint in the NHL last season was limited—just two games, with a 1–1–0 record and .879 save percentage—it’s the progress he showed post-surgery that caught the attention of Kraken GM Jason Botterill.

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“Matt’s a veteran goalie with a proven track record of winning,” Botterill said. “He’s a two-time Cup champion who gives us depth in goal. We’re excited to have him join our team.”

A familiar face in the front office and an open opportunity

Botterill’s connection to Murray goes beyond admiration: he served as associate GM in Pittsburgh during Murray’s championship run, and now brings him into a Seattle team that needs reliability and experience between the pipes.

With Philipp Grubauer expected to represent Germany in the upcoming Olympics and Ales Stezka leaving the organization, a potential backup spot is now in play. Murray could find himself suiting up again at the NHL level if his body holds up through camp.

“Matt has dealt with injuries. We feel he’s healthy. We feel he’s hungry to compete for a position,” Botterill added. “He obviously has the pedigree of knowing what it takes to win a Stanley Cup.”

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