The Nashville Predators have brought up goaltender Matt Murray from AHL Milwaukee to bolster their practice squad alongside Justus Annunen. This move comes as Juuse Saros continues his Olympic journey with Finland, who are making waves in the semifinals.
Murray, now 28, has been a key figure for the Predators, serving as their third-string goalie and the AHL starter. His journey to Nashville began after he clinched the NCAA national championship with UMass in 2021.
He joined the Preds on a two-way deal in 2024 after the Stars decided not to retain him. Last season, Murray was an AHL Second-Team All-Star, leading the league with an impressive .932 save percentage over 43 games.
This stellar performance earned him a new two-year, two-way contract with Nashville, significantly boosting his AHL salary.
However, this season has been a bit more challenging for the Alberta native. His numbers have dipped to a .904 save percentage and a 2.86 goals-against average in 29 games, with a 12-14-2 record.
While these stats might not be eye-popping, Murray still holds value as a reliable veteran option. He has some NHL experience under his belt, having made four starts for Dallas during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons, posting a 2-2-0 record, one shutout, and a .885 save percentage.
Murray remains under contract through next season, likely maintaining his role as the go-to call-up if Saros or Annunen are unavailable. Now in his fifth professional season, Murray's journey began with AHL Texas back in 2021-22, and he continues to be a crucial asset in the Predators' depth chart.