What's Next For Maple Leafs' Matt Murray and Jake Muzzin While on Long-Term Injured Reserve?

Originally posted on FanNation Inside The Maple Leafs
By Nick Barden | Last updated 9/22/23

Matt Murray and Jake Muzzin were both placed on LTIR by the Maple Leafs this summer, but what does their future look like?

Toronto GM Brad Treliving began his season-opening remarks earlier this week, revealing that Murray would require a "significant surgery which will require significant rehab."

The new Maple Leafs GM didn't give away any more information about his netminder other than that the surgery will take place next week.

With that type of news comes all sorts of questions. But during Friday's edition of 32 Thoughts: The Podcast , Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman gave an update on the entire situation and Murray's future.

"I don't think the NHL is unaware of what's going on here," he said. "I think that ever since in the summer, like I said right from the moment they announced it, that I didn't think Murray was going to play this year. And I think they've (the Leafs) let the NHL know, these are the issues and I think they've been given okay with that.

"I still believe Matt Murray will not play this year. The Maple Leafs have not come out and said it, but I don't think he's going to play this year. And look, it is unusual they're not announcing whatever this surgery is, but one thing I have been told is, do not necessarily right off Matt Murray for the future. in the sense that if he can get healthy, maybe he's going to try again."

The other announcement that was made by Treliving in his opening remarks was that Muzzin wouldn't be participating this season. To many, that wasn't a surprise with how last season went.

But just because he's not participating in the on-ice sessions doesn't mean he won't be involved off the ice.

"Jake Muzzin was a huge factor in that room when he was healthy. (John) Tavares is the captain but I think Muzzin in some ways, as I was told, was like the social convener. He made sure some fun things happened with the team," Friedman said on 32 Thoughts.

"He was a very big voice and a very big presence. I heard he was very good for Mitch Marner in particular. The players liked having him around even when he wasn't hurt, so I think he's going to be there (around the Leafs)."

Following the first day of training camp on Thursday, Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe remained certain that the 34-year-old would be a part of this team going forward.

"Muzz is, just like last year, he wants this team to do well," the head coach said.

"He's got a lot of great friends and he feels a part of this. I know, and we can all imagine how difficult it'd be to not be able to be out there to compete. From what he told me, he didn't necessarily miss the skate that we started with today. *Smiles*

"But you know he wants to be out there and he's terrific to have around. He's got a great personality, (has) great experience, and the guys really like and trust him. So, it's good to see him back here."

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This article first appeared on FanNation Inside The Maple Leafs and was syndicated with permission.

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