Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Matt Murray returned to the ice, though briefly, ahead of practice on Friday — a good step in his rehabilitation process following a bilateral hip surgery in October.
The 29-year-old faced shots from Maple Leafs' players ahead of formal practice just over five months into his projected six- to eight-month recovery time, though head coach Sheldon Keefe cautioned reporters that the goaltender was still a ways away from game action.
"Very good sign, he's been out there a little bit with guys here and there, but today was probably the biggest step he's taken in terms of our guys being out there and taking part in some of our skill drills," Keefe told reporters. "Obviously, he's a long ways away from being an option for games, but it seems like the work that he's put in and the recovery that he's had has served him well."
Martin has been on long-term injured reserve all season.
Last month, Keefe was optimistic about Murray's recovery, telling reporters that he's "making great progress. He's seeing pucks now."
Murray is in the final year of his contract with the Maple Leafs, but has struggled with injuries during his time in Toronto and has fallen down the depth chart with Ilya Samsonov bouncing back, Joseph Woll taking steps in his development and Martin Jones filling in elsewhere.
Murray was traded from the Ottawa Senators to the Maple Leafs in the 2022 off-season in exchange for future considerations.
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