NHL.com’s Q&A feature “Sitting Down with …” talks with key figures in the game and gains insight into their lives on and off the ice.Today I will introduce you to his Leafs goalkeeper in Toronto his maple Matt Murray.
Gravenhurst, Ontario — Matt Murray and the Toronto Maple Leafs traveled to the Muskoka resort town 110 miles north of Toronto this week as part of a team-bonding practice ahead of the season opener at the Montreal Canadiens on October 12. rice field.
Consider it a successful endeavor, especially for the 28-year-old goalkeeper entering his first season in Toronto and trying to get to know his new teammates.
Faced with many shots from Auston Matthews At training camp, Murray had the opportunity to share the cart with the star Maple Leafs Center during a team golf outing at the famed Muskoka Bay Golf Club on Tuesday. For defending winners of the Hart Trophy, the honor given to the NHL’s most valuable player, it was a great opportunity to get to know the newcomer better.
“It was cool,” Matthews said. “I rode with ‘Murr’. It was fun chatting with him. He’s obviously a quiet guy, but we had a lot of fun messing around there.”
Having fun is something Murray hasn’t experienced much in the last few seasons.
He helped the Pittsburgh Penguins win back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2016 and 2017, but wasted no time the last three seasons, one with Pittsburgh and the next two with the Ottawa Senators. I experienced. He averaged 3.06 goals in his 35-36-8 record and had a .899 save percentage over the span.
Acquired by the Senators on July 11, Murray was selected in the third round of the 2023 NHL Draft and the seventh round of the 2024 NHL Draft. It was an opportunity for a fresh start, which he accepts.
“I’m looking ahead,” he said. “I will not look back.”
In a one-on-one interview with NHL.com, Murray addressed a variety of topics including new teammates, playing in Toronto, wrapping up the last chapter of his career, and just how good he and the Maple Leafs are.
First of all, how productive has this team-bonding experience here in Muskoka been for you in terms of getting to know your new teammate better? It must be better to play golf with
“I think that was my goal this week. Spend time together and get to know each other better. I was at the practice rink in Toronto a few weeks before training camp started, so I spent most of my time with everyone. Like I said, I’ve been there for a while, but this is different.A little ride on the golf course and a few dinners together and getting to know each other a little better I am happy to be able to do this.”
You’ve come to Toronto after a turbulent few seasons with ever-growing numbers of skeptics. How are you driven to muzzle naysayers who claim your best years are behind you?
“I think there’s always something to prove. In that regard, I’ve taken the same approach since day one and it’s trying to improve every day. One step at a time, one evolution at a time…that. is where my head is. That’s where my focus is. You can’t hear anything outside. You have to keep your eyes on the prize.
How tough was your time in Ottawa, especially with a string of injuries, including a concussion?
“Injuries are part of the game and conflicts are hard to avoid. I don’t think so but I’m making no secret that you have to look forward My focus is here now It’s part of my past It’s my concern No. Again, I’m only watching here and now. Physically, I feel great.”
How do you maintain your confidence through such a period? Have you held that belief in yourself since you were a kid playing minor hockey at Thunder Bay? How helpful is it when is struggling professionally?
“That’s part of it. You’re going to go through adversity. Everybody on any team goes through adversity every year. You’re always going to have a period of adversity. It’s all about how you respond to it. I think how “Response” says a lot about who you are and who you are as a player, so it’s about cherishing each day. I know it’s a common phrase, but it’s true. It’s the only thing I can really control. Other than that, focus on what you can do and don’t worry about anything else. Do the best you can with what you can do. ”
You are from Ontario. You played hockey in Pittsburgh and Ottawa. But what is it like to be in the spotlight associated with playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs?
“I’ve had a really good time since coming here. It’s a special place to play. I’ve said it a million times. From the moment I got here I was welcomed with open arms. I had it. Here. It has helped me to be familiar with some of the people at I’m really, really enjoying it and I’m looking forward to starting in earnest in a week’s time.
I mentioned you and fellow goalkeepers Ilya SamsonovAnother Maple Leafs newcomer, has a good relationship. what happened to that? For that matter, from 2012 to 2014 he was the coach and GM of Sault Ste. Marie in the Ontario Hockey League Sheldon Keef His coach and general manager Kyle What was his reunion with Dubus like? ?
“I got to know Ilya and we get along well. We push each other, but we also help each other. In a goalkeeper tandem, that chemistry is important. [reunion], it is always good to be asked. ”
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