Former Western Hockey League prodigy and Calgary Flames draft pick Marty Murray could be the dark horse that the Philadelphia Flyers need this season.
Murray, who is blazingly quick and one of the most talented playmakers in junior hockey history, has had his professional career stifled by the Old NHL.
When the 5′8″ Murray broke into the league in 1995-1996 and the ten seasons hence, the focus was on size, toughness, and the physical game. In the “New NHL”, his blinding speed and top-notch playmaking ability should be a treat to watch.
In Murray’s last season of junior hockey with the Brandon Wheat Kings of the Western Hockey League, he notched an amazing 40 Goals and 88 Assists for 128 points in only 65 games. He then proceeded to add another 29 points in 18 playoff games.
Murray, a 2-time First-Team WHL All-Star, was also voted Best Forward at the 1995 World Junior Hockey Championships where he notched a mind boggling 15 points in 7 games leading Canada to a Gold Medal.
It is possible that Ken Hitchcock, could have Murray slated as the third-line centre, first unit penalty kill, and possibly some spot duty with the man advantage. With his speed, skill, and deft playmaking ability, the Flyers may have landed their diamond in the rough.
This is the type of player who will be able to make a big jump from his previous NHL performances given the enforcement of the new rules and the new emphasis on speed and play-making.
Best of luck to Marty Murray in his quest to succeed in the new NHL!
UPDATE: Murray is now with Manchester (AHL) .