Matt Murray Injury: What it could mean for the Toronto Maple Leafs going forward

Now that the Toronto Maple Leafs have already clinched a spot in the postseason, the focus of the club has shifted to the health of goalie Matt Murray. The 28-year-old goaltender suffered a head injury last night against the Detroit Red Wings, leaving the game following a collision with forward Lucas Raymond.

"Ilya Samsonov on Matt Murray injury: 'I’m sad. This is hard. Hard for him. Hard for [his] family, yeah, first one, & hard for team. It’s hard for us. It’s third one. We don’t know long-term or whatever. Third injury is really hard & I’m so sad about it.' - Mark Masters

Following the collision with Raymond, Matt Murray was tested for a concussion, which is league protocol. However, while still on the ice, it appeared that Murray was testing his groin area.

While the medical report won't be made available until tomorrow, the injury to Murray is unwelcome news for the Toronto Maple Leafs, who are looking to enter the playoffs with a healthy roster.

The Maple Leafs have found success while utilizing a goalie rotation of both Murray and Ilya Samsonov, and now it appears that Samsonov will be tasked with a bigger workload if Murray is to miss time.

"Is Ilya Samsonov benefiting from dad strength? 'Yes, yes, more positive, yeah. Smiling every day & after the game, it doesn’t matter. You come to the home & see this baby, you feel great. You don’t have time for mad. It’s so good.' 📸 via samsonov_30 on Instagram" - Mark Masters

So far this season, Matt Murray has been solid for the Maple Leafs, posting a 14-8 record in 26 games with a 3.01 goals-against average, a .903 save percentage, and one shutout.

A look at the other Maple Leafs' injuries in the wake of Matt Murray's injury

With the Leafs already guaranteed a spot in the postseason, it will be interesting to see how coach Sheldon Keefe handles their roster for the remainder of the regular season. While the team will not want its stars to get rusty, it will certainly be looking to enter its first-round matchup with the Tampa Bay Lightning with a clean bill of health.

The Leafs are currently without several key pieces due to injury. While defenseman Jake Muzzin has already been ruled out for the remainder of the season, the Leafs should see veteran Ryan O'Reilly return to the lineup after breaking his finger in early March.