Former Blackhawks Forward Troy Murray Passes at 63 Following 5-Year Battle With Cancer

Former forward and dedicated analyst for the Chicago Blackhawks, Troy Murray, passed away on March 7, 2026, following a brave 5-year battle with cancer. Murray, who was diagnosed with the disease on August 9, 2021, did not provide more information about the kind of cancer or nature of his condition at the time of his diagnosis. He was 63 years old at the time of his death.

In a statement sharing the former forward’s passing, Blackhawks chairman and CEO Danny Wirtz celebrated Murray’s contributions to the community.

“He jumped at every call to support our local community with our foundation. He never missed a chance to say ‘hello’ in our press box, and [he] always knew the perfect time for a joke just when someone around the office needed it most,” said Wirtz.

Blackhawks players were devastated to hear of his passing, sharing similar sentiments about Murray’s involvement with the community and his knack for people.

“I mean, individually, he somehow found a way to touch each person in a different way to make them feel good about themselves, feel welcome, but [he was] also just a guy who’s always positive, laughing, having a good time,” shared Chicago forward Ryan Donato.

Murray was selected by the Blackhawks in the 1980 NHL draft. He went on to play for the team for a significant portion of 12 seasons from 1982 to 1994. Murray’s best season was 1985-86, during which he won the Selke Trophy for being the NHL’s best defensive forward. In his final season in 1995-96, he helped the Colorado Avalanche win the Stanley Cup.

Following his retirement, the former forward found himself among the Blackhawks’ broadcasting team in 1998. It was in several positions among the television and radio teams that Murray would spend the next two decades. He served as a studio analyst and color commentator before joining play-by-play announcer John Wiedeman in the radio booth in 2006.

Murray’s cancer diagnosis in August 2021 inevitably impacted his career, as he was required to undergo chemotherapy every other Monday. However, Murray managed to return to work a few months later, delivering a full broadcast with Weideman in December 2021.

In his statement last week, Wirtz celebrated the former forward for his determination.

“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 simply won’t be the same without him, we will carry that spirit forward every day in his honor. We’ll miss you, Troy.”