Predators recall veteran Matt Murray as Saros heads to Olympics
The Nashville Predators have recalled goaltender Matt Murray from their AHL affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals. He will serve as the team's practice netminder while Juuse Saros represents Finland at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina. This marks Murray's second season with the Admirals. In 29 appearances this year, he has posted a 12-14-2 record, a 2.86 goals-against average, and a .904 save percentage, along with two shutouts. His career in the AHL spans 141 games, with a 77-50-14 record and a 2.49 goals-against average. Last season, Murray dominated the AHL, leading the league in wins (28) and save percentage (.932). His performance earned him a place on the 2024-25 AHL Second All-Star Team. In the NHL, the 31-year-old has played 258 career games across four teams. He began with the Pittsburgh Penguins (151 games, 2014–2020), then moved to the Ottawa Senators (59 games, 2020–2022), the Toronto Maple Leafs (38 games, 2022–2024), and finally the Predators (10 games since 2024). His four NHL starts with the Dallas Stars in 2021-22 resulted in a 2-2-0 record and a 2.53 goals-against average. Murray's recall provides depth for Nashville during Saros's Olympic absence. His experience at both AHL and NHL levels offers stability in practice sessions. The Predators will rely on his veteran presence while their starter competes internationally.
