The Seattle Kraken recently bolstered their roster by signing goaltender Matt Murray to a one-year contract worth $1 million when free agency commenced on July 1st. Murray brings championship experience to the Kraken.
Appearing on Friday`s episode of the *JD Bunkis Podcast*, the former Maple Leafs netminder discussed his tenure in Toronto, offered insights into the perceived shortage of developing goaltenders, and explained his decision to join Seattle.
Joining the Kraken
Murray stated that numerous factors attracted him to Seattle, but the primary reason was the people. He highlighted existing connections within the organization, noting, “There are a lot of things that attracted me out there; the biggest one was the people for sure, though. I worked with Jason Botterill in Pittsburgh; we won a couple of Cups together when he was the assistant there. Obviously, I know Lane [Lambert] from last year with the Leafs and their new goalie coach, Colin Zulianello, too.”
Remembering Toronto
Transitioning to a new team is often aided by familiar faces, a factor that also influenced his move to play for the Maple Leafs – an experience he remains deeply grateful for. He expressed profound affection for his time in Toronto:
There is a special place in my heart for the Toronto Maple Leafs. It’s my dad’s favourite team, and it was the first NHL game I ever went to. I thought it was the honour of a lifetime to wear that jersey; it had a special, special place in my heart just from family history – I enjoyed every second; I absolutely loved it.
Thoughts on Goaltending Development
Looking ahead to the future of goaltending in hockey, Murray believes there`s a simple explanation for the current lack of high-quality netminders being developed.
“I don’t think it’s as cool to be a goalie as it once was,” Murray commented, suggesting that the position`s past “cool factor” might have incentivized more children to play it.
The two-time Stanley Cup champion also cited the significant pressure and blame often placed on goaltenders as another potential reason young players might choose different positions. Ultimately, he feels the position may simply not appear as enjoyable as it once did.
“Goalies do look a little bit cookie-cutter to me nowadays; I feel like it’s become such a technical game,” he explained. “I think goalies have lost a little bit of their athleticism, and that’s why I find a lot of them that come up nowadays just look the same – you look at goalies now, and it just seems like it’s, you know, not as much fun as it once was.”
Praise for Joseph Woll
One former teammate Murray holds in high regard is fellow goaltender Joseph Woll.
“I love Joe; I loved all the time that I spent with him,” Murray shared. He attributes Woll`s mental resilience to his broad perspective on life, which he believes helps him handle high-pressure situations. Murray concluded, “I’ll miss sitting next to him, but in Toronto, they got a real keeper there in my opinion.”
Murray spent the previous three seasons with Toronto, appearing in only two games last season where he posted a 3.54 goals-against average and an .879 save percentage. He now joins Seattle`s goaltending tandem, which includes Philipp Grubauer and Joey Daccord.
