When you watch the Val d'Or Foreurs, a team with several marquee names, Matt Murphy isn't likely jump out at you as a fan.
The Foreurs 5th overall selection in the 2011 QMJHL draft plays a quiet, steady game that can be relied upon in any situation. Coach Mario Durocher does just that, giving Murphy 2nd power play and 1st penalty kill minutes. Murphys style of play may not leave fans in awe, but NHL scouts appreciate his poise and puck-movement. One part of the game Murphy is trying to improve is his offense, something he didn't show as often as he would like last year as a 16 year old, with 3 goals and 13 assists for 16 points in 61 games. Through 24 games this season, Murphy has already reached last years point totals with a goal and 15 assists and is a +5 compared to last seasons -15.
Murphy shares duties on the Foreurs back end with more experienced defensemen Artyom Sergeev, Jérémie Fraser, Julien Leduc and Guillaume Gélinas and has had to earn the 2nd pairing minutes he receives. My personal take on Murphy when watching him he does all the little things a defenseman needs to do right to keep him on a coaches good side: taking a hit to dish the puck out of trouble, making quick reads on the breakout and being a step ahead defensively to interrupt the opposing teams possession. He has a fluid stride that can keep up with the fastest forwards the QMJHL has to offer, and isn't afraid to get physical on the boards.
I had the chance to speak to Matt Murphy after Sunday Afternoons 4-3 loss to the Mooseheads, and here is what he had to say.
RE: What is your biggest personal focus to start this year, where you're eligible to be drafted?
MM: I'm really trying focus on not paying to much attention to it all, I'm just trying to keep things simple.
Describe yourself as a player to someone who has never seen you play.
I keep things simple, I'm a two-way defenseman but I focus more on defense. Offence is definitely something I'm trying to bring more of this year. I've got good vision with the puck and my skating is a strength. I think I play a steady all-around game.
How do feel about playing for a smaller market team like Val d'Or? Do you think that it brings any advantages to you personally?
It's good. It keeps you more focused off the ice because sometimes it's easy to get distracted in bigger cities.
TSR wishes you the best of luck in your draft year Matt!
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