Troy Murray, former Chicago player and Winnipeg Jets captain, dies at 63.

Troy Murray, a former NHL player who spent 12 seasons with the Chicago franchise and later became their long-serving broadcast commentator, passed away at the age of 63.

On Saturday, the organization confirmed Murray’s death, which occurred earlier that day, though they did not disclose the location.

Known affectionately as “Muzz,” Murray disclosed in August 2021 that he had received a cancer diagnosis and was undergoing courses of chemotherapy.

He refrained from disclosing the specific form of cancer or offering additional information regarding his health status. Murray carried on with his duties on Chicago Blackhawks broadcasts, albeit with a reduced schedule, prior to completely retiring from that role this season.

Danny Wirtz, who serves as the team’s chairman and CEO, expressed that the club was “profoundly saddened.”

“Troy personified what it means to be a Blackhawk, extending far beyond his remarkable time as a player; his influence permeated every facet of our organization for the past 45 years,” Wirtz commented.

“Throughout his extended and arduous fight against cancer, it was frequently remarked that Troy possessed an indomitable spirit,” Wirtz further stated.

“Although our administrative staff will feel his absence, we pledge to uphold his spirit daily in his memory. We will miss you, Troy.”

Murray achieved significant recognition as one of Chicago’s highly esteemed leaders across a 15-year NHL career, which concluded with him securing a Stanley Cup during his single season with the Colorado Avalanche in 1996.

Following a season with the Chicago Wolves in the International Hockey League, Murray remained in the city to commence his career in sports broadcasting in 1998. Additionally, Murray assumed the role of president for the team’s alumni association.

“Troy Murray will be remembered not only for his athletic achievements, but also for his exemplary professionalism, modest demeanor, and unwavering commitment to Chicago,” the team declared in a statement. “He leaves an enduring heritage within the Blackhawks organization and the wider hockey community.”

Periods with Winnipeg, Ottawa, and Pittsburgh

Drafted by Chicago in the third round in 1980, the center made his debut with the club, participating in a single game as a 19-year-old during the 1981-82 season.

Hailing from Calgary, Murray achieved over 20 goals on five separate occasions, reaching a personal high of 45 goals and 99 points in the 1985-86 season, and was simultaneously recognized for his defensive prowess. In that very season, he was the inaugural Chicago player to be awarded the NHL’s Frank J. Selke Trophy, designating him as the league’s premier defensive forward.

Murray accumulated a total of 197 goals and 488 points across 688 games during his two tenures with Chicago.

His second tenure commenced when he was reacquired by the team after a brief period with the Winnipeg Jets. He participated with the squad throughout the 1991-92 season, holding the captaincy, and for a portion of the 1992-93 season, during which he was moved to Chicago via trade.

In an announcement published online Saturday, the Winnipeg Jets and their owner, True North, characterized Murray as “an outstanding leader both during play and away from it.”

Prior to his time with the Avalanche, Murray also had stints playing for the Ottawa Senators (from 1993 to 1995) and the Pittsburgh Penguins (from 1994 to 1995).

In total, he amassed 230 goals and 584 points across 915 professional games.

Murray competed at the collegiate level for North Dakota, where he was named WCHA rookie of the year in 1981 during his freshman season, and subsequently assisted the university in securing its fourth NCAA championship the next year. In 1982, he additionally captained the Canadian team that won the gold medal at the world junior championships.

Details regarding memorial services have not yet been disclosed.