Born March 8, 1961, in Scarborough, Ontario, was Larry Murphy, the Hock Hall of Fame defenseman. Murphy was on four Stanley Cup Champion teams and was a three-time All-Star. He played on the Los Angeles Kings, Washington Capitols, Minnesota North Stars, Pittsburgh Penguins, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Detroit Red Wings over his 21-year NHL career.
Larry Murphy
Hockey Hall of Fame
Welcome, hockey fans, to a journey through the hallowed halls of hockey history! We're embarking on a series dedicated to the elite few – the immortals enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
From the pioneers who carved their names on the frozen canvas to the modern-day marvels redefining the sport, the Hall of Fame boasts a pantheon of legends. These are the players whose brilliance, dedication, and impact on the game have earned them a place among hockey's royalty. Welcome to the section that celebrates the house where the North American Ice Hockey Legends reside in memorium for future generations to respect what they have done for the game.
Here, you will find the players in the Hall and examine the top players at each jersey number in our ongoing pursuit to preserve the player, uniform, and team history.
Larry Murphy A Hall of Fame Defenseman with a Trophy Collection
Larry Murphy and Paul Coffey in 2008 at last game in the Igloo, Credit Michael Miller
Early Career and Record-Breaking Debut (1980-1985):
-Drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in 1980, Murphy made a sensational debut, setting rookie records for points (76) and assists (60) by a defenseman, a feat that still stands today.
-Despite his impressive individual performance, the Kings struggled to find consistent team success during his tenure.
Building a Legacy Across Teams: Minnesota, Pittsburgh, and Toronto (1985-1996):
-After stints with the Minnesota North Stars and Washington Capitals, Murphy found his championship calling with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1989.
-Partnered with fellow defenseman Paul Coffey, Murphy formed a potent offensive duo, contributing significantly to the Penguins' back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 1991 and 1992.
A Change of Scenery and More Championships: Detroit and a Legacy Cemented (1996-2001):
-In 1996, Murphy was traded to the Detroit Red Wings, forming another iconic defensive partnership with Nicklas Lidström.
-His veteran leadership and offensive contributions proved instrumental in the Red Wings' Stanley Cup triumphs in 1997 and 1998, solidifying his reputation as a player who elevated any team he joined.
Larry Murphy career NHL statistics
Larry Murphy played on the Los Angeles Kings, Washington Capitols, Minnesota North Stars, Pittsburgh Penguins, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Detroit Red Wings over his 21-year NHL career.