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Former Chicago Blackhawks star Troy Murray, who transitioned to the broadcast booth after his playing career, has died, the team announced Saturday. He was 63 years old.
The Blackhawks said he died earlier in the day.
It is unclear where Murray spent his final moments. Murray publicly disclosed his cancer diagnosis in August 2021. Although he revealed that he was undergoing 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 battle with cancer, although his appearances eventually diminished. 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 November 28, 2021, in Chicago. (Chase Agnello-Dean/NHLI via Getty Images)
For over a decade, Murray played 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 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, hard battle with cancer, it was often said that Troy had no desire to give up,” Wirtz added. “While our front office wouldn’t be the same without him, we will continue that spirit every day in his honor. We will miss you, Troy.”
Troy Murray, a former Chicago Blackhawks player, is honored during the “One More Shift” campaign before 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 next season with the Chicago Wolves of the International Hockey League, Murray remained in the city to begin his broadcasting career in 1998. Murray was also named president of the Blackhawks alumni association.
“Troy Murray is remembered not only for his contributions on the ice, but also for his professionalism, humility and dedication to the city of Chicago,” the team said in a statement. “He leaves behind a lasting legacy within the Blackhawks family and the hockey world at large.”
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)
A native of Calgary, Alberta, Murray topped 20 goals five times, but he also became known for his defensive play. In 1986, he became the first Blackhawks player to win the NHL’s Frank J. Selke Trophy, the award given to 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. In total, he scored 230 goals in 915 career games.
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