Maple Leafs Matt Murray Already Dealing With Potential Injury

According to multiple insiders, including Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet and David Alter of Sports Illustrated, goaltender Matt Murray may already be dealing with an injury for Toronto Maple Leafs. If so, that has to be incredibly frustrating news for both the player and the organization as both were hoping and, frankly, needed a healthy season from Murray if they were going to take a step forward this season.

Friedman writes, “Matt Murray has discomfort in his groin, per Sheldon Keefe. Still being examined, status is not yet determined. Samsonov preparing to start but Murray could still play if cleared.” David Alter writes, “Matt Murray appeared to be in discomfort. Immediately sought out goalie coach Curtis Sanford and then immediately departed the session. Stay tuned.”

Some video on the situation pic.twitter.com/8sjpQ2H38r

— David Alter (@dalter) October 15, 2022

If Murray can’t go, that leaves a very questionable situation in the net for the team. They have Samsonov, but beyond that, the organization doesn’t have much to work with: Murray (maybe hurt), Ilya Samsonov, Erik Kallgren (hurt), Joseph Woll (hurt), and Dennis Hildeby (loaned to SWE).

Friedman provided an update and wrote the following:

Ok, so it appears 3 scenarios for TOR in goal with Matt Murray being examined this afternoon with a sore groin: A: it’s nothing that would keep him out, so he dresses tonight… B: The injury is serious enough that he needs to go on LTIR. Erik Kallgren (who was injured last night in Marlies AHL opener) was already cleared to return. He would join team as Samsonov backup… C: if it’s something that would keep Murray out a few days/games but not require LTIR, TOR would bring in Jett Alexander on a PTO (we saw him last year) for tonight. Kallgren could join them as soon as tomorrow on an emergency basis. (End)

This will be a fascinating story to watch out of Toronto. Even if Murray is good to go for Saturday’s game, there’s now officially doubt in the minds of everyone inside that organization, the fan base and likely the players that Murray is going to be a reliable option for the remainder of the season.

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