The Predators announced they’ve recalled goaltender Matt Murray from AHL Milwaukee. He’ll supplement Justus Annunen as a practice goaltender while Juuse Saros continues representing Finland at the Olympics as they advance to the semifinals.
Murray, 28, is in his second season serving as Nashville’s third-stringer and AHL starter. The 2021 NCAA national championship winner with UMass joined the Preds on a two-way deal in 2024 after being non-tendered by the Stars. After being named an AHL Second-Team All-Star last season while leading the league with a .932 SV% in 43 games, he re-upped with Nashville on a two-year, two-way deal that more than doubled his minors salary.
The Alberta native’s numbers have regressed significantly this season. He’s still a serviceable starting option for Milwaukee, but with a .904 SV% and 2.86 GAA in 29 showings with a 12-14-2 record, he doesn’t jump off the page. He still carries value as a veteran call-up option with at least a handful of NHL experience, making four starts for Dallas in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 campaigns. He owns a 2-2-0 record, one shutout, and a .885 SV% across his career at the top level.
Murray remains under contract through next season, presumably still as the top call-up option if Saros or Annunen become unavailable. He’s in his fifth professional season after debuting with AHL Texas down the stretch in 2021-22.