It is his first NHL win since March 23, 2023 (6-2 against the Florida Panthers). Murray did not play in the NHL during the 2023–24 season after undergoing bilateral hip surgery in October 2023, returning late in the season to play three games for Toronto of the American Hockey League in April.

“It was a busy day with a lot of emotions,” Murray said. “For the most part I tried to keep it under control because obviously there’s still a game to play. But I was able to take a moment during warmups and during the anthem and just look around, appreciate the long journey and think of all the people who helped me get here.

“After that I just tried to immerse myself in the game. And luckily the team played great in front of me tonight. I’m really happy about the win.”

William Nylander had a goal and two assists, and Bobby McMann, Max Domi and Nicholas Robertson each had a goal and an assist for the Maple Leafs (21-10-2), who have won five of their last six games.

“I think we’re all so happy for (Murray), for what he’s been through,” Domi said. “Remarkable. The resilience and ability to persevere mentally from all the days where he certainly doubted a lot, and it’s a long road to recovery. We’re all super proud of him.”

JJ Peterka, Owen Power and Mattias Samuelsson each had a goal and an assist for the Sabers (11-18-4), who have lost 12 straight (0-9-3). Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen allowed four goals on 13 shots before being replaced by James Reimer (14 saves) in the second period.

“We shot ourselves in the foot, bad puck management,” Samuelsson said. “To be honest, I don’t think Toronto did anything crazy to beat us. We did it to ourselves. They are a good team, they have good players. If you encourage their transition game, they will obviously capitalize on it. So, yeah, we’re just shooting ourselves in the foot.”

McMann gave Toronto a 1-0 lead at 1:29 of the first period by picking up a pass from Domi at the bottom of the right circle on a 3-on-1 and firing it under Luukkonen’s left arm.

Auston Matthews made it 2-0 with a power play goal from below the right circle at 6:05.

Robertson threw a five-hole handball shot to Luukkonen from the right circle to make it 3-0 at 1:53 of the second period.

“All three of them can skate,” Toronto coach Craig Berube said of the team of Robertson, Domi and McMann, which each extended their point streak to three games. “And when there is a breakdown they quickly go the other way and they did that with two goals today. And then another goal, it’s all about chasing in the offensive zone using their speed, running and tenacity. That’s what I see in them right now.”