Maple Leafs Select Starting Netminder for Season Opener

The Toronto Maple Leafs are ready for a new season as they kick things off this Wednesday against the Montreal Canadiens. While there continues to be several questions hanging over the roster heading into the 2022-23 season, it appears one has been answered. According to sources the team will announce Matt Murray as the opening night starter in net.

Murray, acquired in an offseason trade with the Ottawa Senators, is looking to bounce back in a major way for his childhood team. The two-time Stanley Cup champion proved with a very strong preseason his game appears back on track and he's ready to make it hard for now backup Ilya Samsonov to get minutes.

The Maple Leafs are expecting some healthy competition in their crease this season as they've stated numerous times it's an open competition for starts. Murray appears set to open the season. Toronto would love to have a strong tandem this season after Petr Mrazek was never able to push Jack Campbell for minutes last season.

The Leafs open with a back-to-back against the Habs and then at home against the Washington Capitals. Which just happens to be Samsonov's former team as the storylines are already playing themselves out to start the new campaign. Expect to see Murray in Montreal and Samsonov for the home opener Thursday.

Photo crdit:  David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports