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Time of India
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Matt Murray opens up on why playing for the Leafs meant everything to his family in tearful farewell
Matt Murray calls playing for the Maple Leafs 'incredibly special' in tearful farewell. (Sean Kilpatrick/CP) It's not often that a goodbye in pro sports feels this personal. But when Matt Murray reflected on his time with the Toronto Maple Leafs, it wasn't about stats or trophies, it was about his dad, his kids, and the jersey that meant everything. Now officially heading to Seattle to join the Kraken, Murray opened up in a recent interview about how much playing in Toronto meant to him. And honestly? It might be one of the most heartfelt exits Leafs Nation has ever seen. The Leafs weren't just a team, they were part of his family history For Murray, wearing the Maple Leafs jersey wasn't just about career milestones. It was about honoring memories. 'It was my dad's favorite team, and it was the first NHL game I ever went to with him,' he said on The JD Bunkis Podcast . 'It had a special place in my heart... it wasn't much of a consideration for me [to sign].' That emotional connection made Toronto feel like more than just another stop in his NHL journey, it was a full-circle moment. Murray also shared that one of his most treasured memories wasn't a save or a win, it was simply his young kids getting to see him in that jersey. 'They were young, but they got to see me play. And that's incredibly special for me.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it legal? How to get Internet without paying a subscription? Techno Mag Learn More Undo It's not every day that you hear a pro athlete boil his legacy down to a family moment, but for Murray, it's clear that's what mattered most. What's next for Murray and why Toronto will always stay with him Now signed with the Seattle Kraken, Murray is entering a new chapter in his career, but his message to Leafs fans was full of gratitude. He said he "enjoyed every second" in Toronto and left with zero regrets, just memories that will last a lifetime. For fans who followed his injury battles and started with the Leafs, this goodbye is a reminder that the human side of hockey matters just as much as the game. Also read - How to watch NHL vs. KHL 'Match of the Year' live on July 13 — full time, stream and rosters For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Manika Batra's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 3. Watch Here!
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Michael Pezzetta signs $1.625M deal with Maple Leafs, recalls tough fights with Ryan Reaves
Michael Pezzetta on past battles with Ryan Reaves (Image via: getty Images) The Toronto Maple Leafs made a gritty addition in the 2025 NHL free agency by signing former Montreal Canadiens winger Michael Pezzetta. The 26-year-old agreed to a two-year, $1.625 million contract with the Leafs, bringing toughness, energy, and a physical presence to Toronto's bottom-six forward group. Michael Pezzetta talks respect for Reaves and past on-ice battles Speaking on The JD Bunkis Podcast, Pezzetta opened up about his past encounters with Ryan Reaves, one of the NHL's most respected enforcers. Pezzetta acknowledged that Reaves won both of their fights, pointing to his opponent's skill and experience in handling physical confrontations. 'He's a really technical fighter,' Pezzetta said. 'Both times, he got the upper hand in those fights.' Their most recent fight occurred on April 6, 2024, after Pezzetta delivered a hit on Leafs center David Kämpf. Reaves wasted no time stepping in. What followed was a flurry of punches from Reaves, ultimately leaving Pezzetta off-balance before officials stopped the fight. Ryan Reaves Michael Pezzetta Fight (FULL CLIP) Canadiens vs Maple Leafs | NHL Highlights Despite being on the losing end of those encounters, Pezzetta holds Reaves in high regard. 'He definitely stacks up close to the top. He's a guy I respect a lot. He's gone through it, played a lot of games, and stayed in the league a long time,' Pezzetta said, praising the veteran enforcer's longevity and toughness. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like So sánh mức trượt giá: Hợp đồng tương lai (CFD) Bitcoin vs Ethereum IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo Pezzetta, known for his hard-nosed play, spent the past four seasons with the Montreal Canadiens. The 6-foot-1 winger suited up for 25 games last season and has totaled 38 points over 200 career NHL games. While not a major offensive contributor, his role as a spark plug and fighter has made him a fan favorite. With Toronto, Pezzetta is expected to bring energy to the fourth line, add depth to the forward group, and stand up for teammates when needed. His past run-ins with Reaves now turn into a storyline of mutual respect, especially as the two could share a locker room—or potentially meet again if Reaves lands elsewhere. Also Read: Reaves vs. Kane: Ryan Reaves rips Evander Kane as NHL's most overhyped enforcer in ongoing feud For Maple Leafs fans craving physicality, Pezzetta's signing signals a commitment to tougher, grittier hockey heading into the 2025–26 season. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Manika Batra's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 3. Watch Here!
