Toronto Maple Leafs: The Pros and Cons of the Matt Murray Trade

Mar 5, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Coyotes right wing Clayton Keller (9) scores a goal against Ottawa Senators goaltender Matt Murray (30) during the third period at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Coyotes right wing Clayton Keller (9) scores a goal against Ottawa Senators goaltender Matt Murray (30) during the third period at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Whether fans like the move or not, Matt Murray is now a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs for 4.687 million for the next two years. Was this a mistake?

Matt Murray is an interesting story for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

As a rookie, he helped the Pittsburgh Penguins win back-to-back Stanley Cups, beating out Hall of Famer Marc-Andre Fleury to become the starter for the Pens in the playoffs. His performance in the postseason is what really caught my eye personally: his poise in net is second to none.

However, he did struggle with consistency at times and this struggle was the cause of his trade from Pittsburgh to the Ottawa Senators in favor of a younger Tristan Jarry.

I feel like the Maple Leafs are good enough to cover for Murray’s potential fall off during the season and seal the leak. Even then, I expect the them to sign another NHL-ready goaltender just in case.

Murray’s regular season stats are not as impressive with a 2.77 GAA and a 0.911 save percentage. His worst seasons were, unsurprisingly, with the rebuilding Senators.

So, what are the pros in trading for Matt Murray?