The trouble has already begun for the Toronto Maple Leafs, who learned bad news about goaltender Matt Murray and defenseman Jake Muzzin.
Murray’s name would be placed on the long-term injured list, the organization confirmed in July, sparking a wave of questions from observers. Many felt that this underperforming goaltender’s injury was exaggerated by the Leafs and that the maneuver allowed them to save a lot.
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However, general manager Brad Treliving said Wednesday that Murray will need to undergo “significant surgery” without specifying the circumstances, according to the Sportsnet network.
The 29-year-old Ontario native has one season left on his contract, which equates to about $4.7 million on the Leafs’ payroll. Last year, the former Pittsburgh Penguins and Ottawa Senators posted a 14-8-2 record, a 3.01 goals-against average and a .903 save percentage.
Ilya Samsonov, Martin Jones and Joseph Woll are expected to take over Toronto’s net duties in 2023-24.
As for Muzzin, he will not play any games next season, Treliving confirmed. Injuries have severely affected the 34-year-old full-back’s career in recent years. He only played in four games in the 2022/23 season.
The veteran of 14 professional campaigns has 294 points in 683 games in the National Hockey League.