This isn’t a problem right now, but it might become one later. Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Matt Murray is recovering well according to general manager Brad Treliving and a potential return this season, and before the NHL playoffs, cannot be ruled out. This is surprising news as he recovers from hip surgery, and it could create potential salary cap and roster issues for the team.
Treliving provided an optimistic update, mentioning that Murray has progressed well in his rehabilitation with no setbacks. Murray, who underwent hip surgery in October, is currently at a stage where he is participating in public skating, indicating a positive development in his recovery.
While the initial estimate for Murray’s recovery was six to eight months, Treliving emphasized a cautious approach, stating, “We just want to make sure he gets it done, and when he’s ready, he’ll be ready.” The Maple Leafs are prioritizing Murray’s well-being over his rushed return to action.
But what happens if he’s ready to leave before the end of the regular season?
Would the Maple Leafs have room to put him back on the roster?
If Murray’s recovery continues, it’s possible he could return during the regular season, which runs through April. His $4.687 million salary cap hit would be removed from LTIR and returned to the active roster, if he is medically cleared or the Leafs want to use him. However, Treliving highlighted the team’s cautious stance, suggesting the goalkeeper’s return may not be imminent.
The NHL reviews contracts on LTIR and medical exams are done to assess whether a player should be on LTIR, but everyone knows that these tests are quite flexible. The reality is that most NHL players play with injuries. At almost any time, a player can have enough issues to warrant being on LTIR. If the Leafs wanted to retain Murray, they probably could.
But there’s also the question of what happens if Ilya Samsonov takes over or the Leafs find a possible trade that works for them. So where does Murray fit into the equation?
Could Matt Murray be Plan C or Plan D for the Leafs?
Murray, in the final year of his four-year, $25 million contract, could bring valuable playoff experience to the team if he returns during the postseason. Although salary cap considerations may limit his activation during the regular season, the playoffs could present an opportunity for his return.
This development raises intriguing questions about Murray’s potential impact on the goaltending situation, given how other goaltenders have performed this season. The Leafs want Joseph Woll to be their guy. They would also like Samsonov to come to his senses. They’d rather not keep Dennis Hildeby on the main roster, but getting Murray back into the lineup without disrupting the team dynamic could be an interesting story…if it ever comes to that.
Following: Oliver Kylington joins AHL Wranglers ahead of Flames return
