Troy Murray

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Lore & Background

Murray's journey began in Alberta, where he played briefly for the Lethbridge Broncos of the WHL, scoring his only career goal there before heading to the University of North Dakota. There, he led the Fighting Sioux in scoring as a freshman with 33 goals and 78 points, earning WCHA Rookie of the Year honors. After back-to-back All-WCHA Second Team selections and an NCAA championship in 1982, Murray signed with Chicago on April 1, 1982. He made his NHL debut just days later on April 4 against the Minnesota North Stars. His rookie season included a memorable first playoff goal on April 19 against the St. Louis Blues. By 1985-86, he was recognized as one of the game's best two-way centers, recording 45 goals and 99 points while winning the Frank J. Selke Trophy despite missing part of the playoffs with a broken hand.

In Their Own Story

On November 25, 1983, Murray suffered a severe knee injury after being checked by Mike Foligno against the Buffalo Sabres, forcing him onto a stretcher. He returned in January 1984 to center the third line before finding his offensive rhythm on a reunited line with Olczyk and Fraser, dubbed the "Six Hundred Pounds of Beef" line. This unit exploded offensively in the 1985-86 season, where Murray recorded multiple three-point games and two career hat tricks, including a four-point night against Calgary on December 22. His peak performance saw him tally 45 goals and 99 points in 80 games. Although the Blackhawks were swept by Toronto in the first round of the playoffs that year, Murray's individual excellence was undeniable, securing his place as a Selke Trophy winner.

Reader's Guide

Troy Murray played nine seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks before being traded to the Winnipeg Jets in 1992. He later returned to Chicago and had stops with the Ottawa Senators and Pittsburgh Penguins. His career concluded with a Stanley Cup victory alongside the Colorado Avalanche in 1996, followed by his retirement from playing in 1997. Post-retirement, he served as a color analyst for Blackhawks radio and TV broadcasts. Fans should note that while he is often associated with Chicago's history due to his long tenure there, his career also included significant time with Winnipeg, Ottawa, Pittsburgh, and Colorado.

Did You Know?

• Murray scored his only WHL goal in his first game with the Lethbridge Broncos during the 1979-80 season.
• He won an NCAA championship with North Dakota in 1982 after defeating the Wisconsin Badgers in the final.
• In the 1985-86 season, Murray recorded two career hat tricks and a four-point game against the Calgary Flames on December 22.
• Murray missed part of the 1985-86 playoffs due to a broken hand but still won the Frank J. Selke Trophy that year.
• His final NHL team was the Colorado Avalanche, with whom he won the Stanley Cup in 1996 before retiring in 1997.