Maple Leafs call-up Matt Murray, send down Dennis Hildeby

Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

The Toronto Maple Leafs have re-called goaltender Matt Murray from the Toronto Marlies on Friday, meaning he could see his first NHL action since April of 2023.

The club also sent down Dennis Hildeby to the Marlies in a secondary move.

The news comes as Anthony Stolarz is expected to miss the next 4-6 weeks with a knee injury. Stolarz has made 17 appearances with the Maple Leafs this season, owning a 9-5-2 record. Among goaltenders with at least 10 games played, Stolarz leads the league with a .927 save percentage and sits second-best with a 2.15 goals-against average.

Murray, 30 has spent the 2024-25 season with the Maple Leafs’ American Hockey League affiliate, where he has compiled a 4-1-3 record to go with a 1.85 goals against average and .931 save percentage in eight games.

Toronto brought back Murray on a one-year, $875,000 deal in the summer.

Murray was a UFA after the conclusion of his four-year contract with a $6.25 million cap hit that he signed with the Ottawa Senators. He missed most of the 2023-24 season due to a hip injury, never playing at the NHL level with the Leafs. He did play three games on a conditioning stint in the AHL with the Marlies, where he had a 1-2 record and an .846% save%.

Murray’s best days came in Pittsburgh when he led the Penguins to consecutive Stanley Cup titles in 2016 and 2017. Ever since, the Thunder Bay, Ontario native has dealt with injuries and inconsistent play, but did help Canada win silver at the 2019 World Championship.

Murray could see action as early as Friday when the Leafs take on the Buffalo Sabres. The Leafs will then host the New York Islanders on Saturday before finishing up the pre-Christmas action with a Dec. 23 meeting with Winnipeg on Monday.