Seattle Kraken Boost Goaltending with Veteran Matt Murray Signing!

Seattle, USA - The Seattle Kraken have made a significant move in bolstering their goaltending lineup by signing seasoned goaltender Matt Murray to a one-year contract valued at $1 million. At 31 years of age, Murray brings invaluable experience and a winning pedigree, having clinched two Stanley Cup titles with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016 and 2017. This strategic signing aims to strengthen the team’s roster, particularly in anticipation of upcoming challenges, including the 2025 Olympic Games where starting goaltender Philipp Grubauer will be representing Germany.

General Manager Jason Botterill emphasized the importance of bringing in a player with a proven track record like Murray. His past successes and senior presence behind current goaltenders Joey Daccord and Grubauer will be integral as the Kraken look to maintain a competitive edge. Murray’s experience especially shines through his impressive AHL performance, where he played for the Toronto Marlies, achieving a record of 10-5-4, a remarkable 1.72 goals-against average (GAA), and a .934 save percentage across 21 games. Notably, he showcased his skills in January 2025, securing consecutive shutouts against Manitoba with 55 total saves over the two games.

Analyzing the Goalie Landscape

As the league evolves, the need for depth in goaltending is ever-pressing. Murray’s addition comes at a crucial time for the Kraken, particularly after Finnish goaltender Aleš Stezka signed in Czechia, leaving a gap in the organization. With Grubauer’s inconsistent performance last season, this acquisition addresses the urgent need for reliable backup options as the team gears up for a demanding schedule.

Murray, standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 220 pounds, has a well-rounded profile that makes him an appealing candidate for the team. His career stats reflect a commendable trajectory, with 274 regular-season games played across tenures with Toronto, Ottawa, and Pittsburgh. He holds a 147-87-24 record, a 2.80 GAA, and a .910 save percentage, demonstrating his capability to perform at the highest levels.

Resilience and Future Potential

After undergoing bilateral hip surgery in October 2023—which sidelined him for the entire 2023-24 season—Murray is eager to reclaim his potential. His previous accolades, including the Dudley „Red“ Garrett Memorial Trophy for AHL Rookie of the Year, highlight his esteemed status within the hockey community. As Botterill noted, the addition of Murray fosters healthy competition within the squad, particularly in this Olympic year when player commitments expand significantly.

Furthermore, Murray’s international experiences add another layer of depth to his profile. He represented Canada at the 2019 IIHF World Championship, contributing to a silver medal finish, and previously showcased his talents at the IIHF World Under-18 Championship in 2011. With notable achievements both at the domestic and international levels, he embodies the high-caliber player the Kraken are looking for to enhance their 2025 campaign.

As the team looks ahead with new vigor and strategy, the signing of Matt Murray is certainly a move that could pay off handsomely. The coming season will undoubtedly be an exciting chapter for the Seattle Kraken, with strong hopes pinned on their new goaltending addition.

For additional details, you can check the full announcements from Fox 13 Seattle and the NHL’s Kraken page.