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Former Chicago Blackhawks standout Troy Murray, who switched to the broadcast booth after his playing career, has died, the team announced Saturday. He was 63.
The Blackhawks said he died earlier in the day.
It is unclear where Murray spent his final moments. Murray publicly revealed his cancer diagnosis in August 2021. While he revealed that he had undergone chemotherapy, details about the type of cancer he was battling were kept private.
Murray, affectionately known as “Muzz,” continued to appear on Blackhawks broadcasts during his cancer battle, though his appearances eventually tapered off. He stepped away from the booth completely ahead of the 2025-26 NHL season.
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Troy Murray is honored during Hockey Fights Cancer night during a game between the Chicago Blackhawks and the San Jose Sharks at the United Center on Nov. 28, 2021, in Chicago. (Chase Agnello-Dean/NHLI via Getty Images)
For more than a decade, Murray starred at center for the Blackhawks. CEO Danny Wirtz said the loss of one of the franchise’s most respected executives left the team “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 past 45 years,” Wirtz said.
“During his long and hard battle with cancer, it was often said that Troy had no ‘give up’ in him,” added Wirtz. “Although our front office will not be the same without him, we will carry that spirit forward every day in his honor. We will miss you, Troy.”
Troy Murray, a former player for the Chicago Blackhawks, is honored during the “One More Shift” campaign prior to a game against the Ottawa Senators at the United Center on February 21, 2018 in Chicago. (Chase Agnello-Dean/NHLI via Getty Images)
After 12 seasons with the Blackhawks, Murray finished his NHL career with the Colorado Avalanche, winning the Stanley Cup in 1996.
After spending the following season with the International Hockey League Chicago Wolves, Murray stayed in the city to begin his radio career in 1998. Murray was also named the president of the Blackhawks alumni association.
“Troy Murray will be remembered not only for 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 a lasting legacy within the Blackhawks family and the wider hockey world.”
Chicago Blackhawks radio announcers John Wiedeman and Troy Murray wear lavender ties in honor of Hockey Fights Cancer Night during a game against the Vancouver Canucks on October 20, 2010 at the United Center in Chicago. (Bill Smith/NHLI via Getty Images)
From Calgary, Alberta, Murray topped 20 goals five times, but he was also known for his defensive play. In 1986, he became the Blackhawks’ first player to win the NHL’s Frank J. Selke Trophy, the award for the league’s best defensive forward.
Murray finished with 197 goals in 688 games over two stints with the Blackhawks and also played for the Winnipeg Jets, Ottawa Senators and Pittsburgh Penguins. Overall, he had 230 goals in 915 career games.
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