4 Hot Takes For the 2024-25 Toronto Maple Leafs Season

No. 3: Matt Murray Will Play More Than 10 Games

Alright, now the takes are getting hotter! Remember when Matt Murray was one of the best goalies in the NHL? Well, I'm not predicting that he's going to return to that form, but I'm predicting that we see him in action with the Leafs this year.

I'm predicting this more on the fact that I can't see Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz staying healthy all year, more than than I think Murray will be amazing, however it's possible that Murray could be back.

Murray is only 30-years-old, but it feels like he's way older based on his early success. Injuries piled up over the years, which forced bad play, as well as a ton of missed time. However, Murray is seemingly completely healthy now after his most recent hip surgury. Murray mentioned that his hip, groin and back had bothered him for a ton of time, however after finally taking the time to recover and get those fied, his "hips haven't felt this good in a long, long time."

We all know that Murray is a good goaltender, but he hasn't been able to show it for a long stretch in awhile, and I have to think he's motivated to prove it to everyone this year. After signing a one-year deal with the Leafs, this contract is essenitally a "prove-it deal' where if he can show the NHL that he's still a good player, he'll get that next contract and potentially be a back-up or starter again.

Murray is most likely going to start the season in the AHL, with the Toronto Marlies, but don't be shocked if he's eventually winning games in the NHL by season's end.