Former NHL player and cherished Chicago Blackhawks analyst, Troy Murray, has passed away following a prolonged battle with cancer, the team confirmed on Saturday. He was 63 years old.
Murray, a stalwart in the NHL for 15 seasons, spent 12 of those with the Chicago Blackhawks after being drafted in the third round in 1980. His standout season was 1985-86, during which he netted 45 goals and amassed 99 points over 80 games, earning him the Frank J. Selke Trophy as the league’s premier defensive forward.
Over the course of his career, Murray accumulated 584 points across 915 regular-season games. He played for the Blackhawks, as well as the Colorado Avalanche, Winnipeg Jets, Ottawa Senators, and Pittsburgh Penguins. His career culminated with a Stanley Cup victory with Colorado in the 1995-96 season, his final year in the NHL.
Upon hanging up his skates, Murray transitioned to the broadcast booth in 1998, becoming a beloved radio color analyst for the Blackhawks. His voice became synonymous with the team’s Stanley Cup victories in 2010, 2013, and 2015.
“The Chicago Blackhawks are heartbroken today as we mourn the loss of Troy Murray, affectionately known as ‘Muzz’,” expressed team chairman and CEO Danny Wirtz in a heartfelt statement. “Troy was the embodiment of a Blackhawk, extending far beyond his remarkable playing career with a presence that touched every part of our organization over the past 45 years. He was respected by teammates and players alike and took immense pride in bridging generations of Blackhawks through his work with the Blackhawks Alumni Association.”
“The Chicago Blackhawks are deeply heartbroken today as we mourn the loss of Troy Murray, our beloved ‘Muzz,’” team chairman and CEO Danny Wirtz said in a statement. “Troy was the epitome of a Blackhawk, so far beyond his incredible playing career with a presence felt in every corner of our organization over the last 45 years. He was admired by his teammates and our players, and was so proud to connect generations of Blackhawks through his work with the Blackhawks Alumni Association.”
Murray was diagnosed with cancer in 2021 but continued working in the broadcast booth during treatment. He had stepped away from broadcasts this season as his health worsened.
