Longtime Blackhawks Great and Broadcaster Troy Murray Dies at 63

The team announced the passing of the former player and beloved broadcaster who spent over 45 years with the franchise.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Former Chicago Blackhawks standout Troy Murray, who transitioned to the broadcast booth after his playing career, has died at the age of 63, the team announced on Saturday. Murray, affectionately known as 'Muzz,' had been publicly battling cancer since 2021 but continued to appear on Blackhawks broadcasts until stepping away ahead of the 2025-26 NHL season.

Why it matters

Murray was a beloved figure in the Blackhawks organization, having spent over 45 years with the franchise as both a player and broadcaster. His passing is a significant loss for the team and the broader hockey community in Chicago.

The details

Murray starred as a center for the Blackhawks for over a decade, becoming the team's first player to win the NHL's Frank J. Selke Trophy as the league's top defensive forward in 1986. After retiring as a player, he transitioned to the broadcast booth, providing analysis for Blackhawks games for many years. Despite his cancer diagnosis in 2021, Murray continued to appear on broadcasts until stepping away ahead of the 2025-26 season.

  • Murray publicly disclosed his cancer diagnosis in August 2021.
  • He stepped away from the Blackhawks broadcast booth entirely ahead of the 2025-26 NHL season.

The players

Troy Murray

A former standout center for the Chicago Blackhawks who spent over 45 years with the franchise as both a player and broadcaster.

Danny Wirtz

The CEO of the Chicago Blackhawks, who expressed the team's deep heartbreak over the loss of one of their most respected leaders.

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What they’re saying

“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 last 45 years.”

— Danny Wirtz, CEO, Chicago Blackhawks (wxbc1043.com)

“During his long and hard battle with cancer, it was often said that Troy didn't have any 'give up' in him. While our front office won't be the same without him, we will carry that spirit forward every day in his honor. We'll miss you, Troy.”

— Danny Wirtz, CEO, Chicago Blackhawks (wxbc1043.com)

The takeaway

Troy Murray's passing is a significant loss for the Chicago Blackhawks organization and the broader hockey community. As both a standout player and beloved broadcaster, Murray left an indelible mark on the franchise and the city of Chicago over his 45-year tenure with the team.