Mike Murphy
| Birthday: 1989-01-15 | Position: G |
| Eligible for draft: 2008 | Catches: Left |
| Drafted: 2008 | Height: 5-11 |
| Acquired: 6th round (165th overall), 2008 | Weight: 165 lbs. |
Probability of Success
- C
History
2006-07: Mike Murphy backed up to Kevin Lalande (CBS) on East Division champ Belleville Bulls in the OHL. Appeared in 18 games with a record of 8 wins 6 losses and two OT losses and GAA of 3.68 with a .900 save percentage.
2007-08: Took over the starting reins for Belleville. In 49 regular season games, posted a .929 save percentage and 2.24 GAA while winning 36 games with 7 regulation losses and 4 OT losses. Was 14-3 in 19 playoff games with a 2.32 GAA and .927 save percentage as the Bulls rolled through the Eastern Conference playoffs before falling to Western Conference champ Kitchener in seven games in the OHL championship series. Named to the OHL All-Rookie team as well as being named Goaltender of the Year and also selected to the CHL's Second All-Star Team.
2008-09: Returned to Belleville after attending Hurricanes camp and had another outstanding season. In 54 regular season games with the Bulls, he won 40 games, including five shutouts versus 9 losses and 4 OT losses. In addition to again being named OHL Goaltender of the Year, he was named to the OHL's First All-Star Team and also selected as the CHL Goaltender of the Year. Signed an entry-level contract with the Hurricanes in March.
2009-10: Spent his first season in pro hockey backing up Justin Peters with the Albany River Rats in the AHL. Was hampered by nagging injuries but appeared in 20 games for the River Rats with a record of 10 wins 9 losses and two shutouts. Had a respectable 2.81 GAA and .917 save percentage.
2010-11: Murphy spent his second season in the Hurricanes organization with their AHL affiliate in Charlotte. After splitting the goaltending load with former Maple Leafs draft pick Justin Pogge (PHO) during the regular season, Murphy played in 14 of 16 playoff games for the Checkers. Murphy appeared in 39 games during the regular season and was 25-14 with two shutouts and had a 2.53 GAA and .919 save percentage. In 14 AHL playoff games he was 7-7 with one shutout and had a 2.57 GAA with a .919 save percentage.
2011-12: Murphy made his NHL debut with two appearances in relief of Hurricanes' starter Cam Ward in December and split the goaltending duties for Carolina's AHL affiliate Charlotte with Justin Peters. Murphy stopped all nine shots he faced in 36 minutes of action (Murphy was charged with a loss against Calgary when Carolina allowed an empty net goal). In 37 games for the AHL's Checkers he was 18-15-2 with 1 shutout and had a 2.74 goals against and .908 save percentage. Carolina finished third in the Midwest Division; one point out of an AHL playoff spot.
Talent Analysis
Murphy had an outstanding junior career and compensates for his lack of ideal size with incredible athleticism. He is mentally tough and has the preferred temperament for a goaltender.Like former Hurricane Arturs Irbe, Murphy is unorthodoxed at times but has relied on mobility and competitiveness to be successful.
Future
Murphy enters Carolina's camp this season in what amounts to a a battle with Canada junior national team star and former number one pick Justin Pogge for the starting job with the Hurricanes' new AHL affiliate in Charlotte. Long-term, while Murphy's skill level suggests he is capable of one day being an NHL starting goalie, he faces an uphill battle convincing an organization to give him an opportunity over a bigger goalie with a more traditional style of play.
