Matt Murray opens up on why playing for the Leafs meant everything to his family in tearful farewell | NHL News
It’s not often that a goodbye in pro sports feels this personal. But when Matt Murray reflected on his time with the Toronto Maple Leafs, it wasn’t about stats or trophies, it was about his dad, his kids, and the jersey that meant everything.Now officially heading to Seattle to join the Kraken, Murray opened up in a recent interview about how much playing in Toronto meant to him. And honestly? It might be one of the most heartfelt exits Leafs Nation has ever seen.
The Leafs weren’t just a team, they were part of his family history
For Murray, wearing the Maple Leafs jersey wasn’t just about career milestones. It was about honoring memories.“It was my dad’s favorite team, and it was the first NHL game I ever went to with him,” he said on The JD Bunkis Podcast. “It had a special place in my heart… it wasn’t much of a consideration for me [to sign].”That emotional connection made Toronto feel like more than just another stop in his NHL journey, it was a full-circle moment.Murray also shared that one of his most treasured memories wasn’t a save or a win, it was simply his young kids getting to see him in that jersey.“They were young, but they got to see me play. And that’s incredibly special for me.”It’s not every day that you hear a pro athlete boil his legacy down to a family moment, but for Murray, it’s clear that’s what mattered most.
What’s next for Murray and why Toronto will always stay with him
Now signed with the Seattle Kraken, Murray is entering a new chapter in his career, but his message to Leafs fans was full of gratitude. He said he “enjoyed every second” in Toronto and left with zero regrets, just memories that will last a lifetime.For fans who followed his injury battles and started with the Leafs, this goodbye is a reminder that the human side of hockey matters just as much as the game.Also read – How to watch NHL vs. KHL ‘Match of the Year’ live on July 13 — full time, stream and rosters
