Troy Murray, who played 12 seasons in the NHL with Chicago and transitioned into becoming the team’s long-time broadcasting analyst, has died. He was 63.
The team announced on Saturday that Murray died earlier in the day, without specifying where.
Nicknamed “Muzz,” Murray revealed in August 2021 he had been diagnosed with cancer and undergoing chemotherapy treatments.
He did not specify the type of cancer he had or provide any other details about his condition. Murray continued working on Chicago Blackhawks broadcasts, though at a diminished workload, before stepping away entirely this season.
Danny Wirtz, the team’s chairman and CEO, said the organization was “deeply heartbroken.”
“Troy was the epitome of a Blackhawk so far beyond his incredible playing career, with his presence felt in every corner of our organization over the last 45 years,” Wirtz said.
“During his long and hard battle with cancer, it was often said that Troy didn’t have any ‘give up’ in him,” Wirtz added.
“While our front office won’t be the same without him, we will carry that spirit forward every day in his honor. We’ll miss you, Troy.”
Murray was best known as one of Chicago’s most respected leaders during a 15-year NHL career that ended with him winning a Stanley Cup in his lone season with the Colorado Avalanche in 1996.
After spending the following season with the International Hockey League Chicago Wolves, Murray stayed in the city to begin his broadcasting career in 1998. Murray also became president of the team’s alumni association.
“Troy Murray is remembered for not only his contributions on the ice, but for his professionalism and humility and dedication to the city of Chicago,” the team said in a release. “He leaves behind a lasting legacy within the Blackhawks family and the broader hockey world.”
Selected by Chicago in the third round of the 1980 draft, the centre broke in with the team by playing one game as a 19-year-old during the 1981-82 season.
From Calgary, Murray topped 20 goals five times, including a career-best 45 goals and 99 points in 1985-86, while also known for his defensive play. That same season, he became Chicago’s first player to win the NHL’s Frank J. Selke Trophy as the league’s top defensive forward.
Murray finished with 197 goals and 488 points in 688 games over two stints with Chicago.
The second began when he was traded back to the team following a short stint with the Winnipeg Jets. He played with the team for the 1991-92 season, serving as captain, and part of the 1992-93 season, during which he was traded to Chicago.
In a statement posted online Saturday, the Winnipeg Jets and team owner True North called Murray “a tremendous leader both on and off the ice.”
Murray also played with the Ottawa Senators (1993-95) and Pittsburgh Penguins (1994-95) before joining the Avalanche.
Overall, he had 230 goals and 584 points in 915 career games.
Murray played collegiately at North Dakota, and earned WCHA rookie of the year honors as a freshman in 1981, and the following year helped the school win its fourth NCAA championship. In 1982, he also was captain of Canada’s world junior championships gold medal-winning team.
Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
