Maple Leafs goaltender Matt Murray takes another step towards return

While the trio of Ilya Samsonov, Martin Jones and Joseph Woll have done some great work in 2023-24, many Maple Leafs fans find themselves worried about how the goaltending will hold up come playoff time. Now, they may have a major boost incoming, as goaltender Matt Murray has officially taken the next step in his return, as he took part in full Maple Leafs practice on Friday.

Murray underwent surgery on his hip back in October, with many fearing that would cost him the 2023-24 campaign, but now, it appears as though he may be back in time for a playoff run. The 29-year old took his first major step in recovery this past week when he returned to the ice before practice, with him ramping up his activity with less than a month to go until the playoffs.

We've still not heard word out of Maple Leafs camp on just how far away he is from an official return, but with another step taken towards that, the signs are very positive.

With three goaltenders ahead of him, if he gets back to full health, Sheldon Keefe will have four names to choose from come playoff time, but given the two Stanley Cup's on Murray's resume, it's safe to say that he's got a good chance of playing if healthy.