1
He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2004, in his first year of eligibility.
15 Interesting Facts About Larry Murphy
Lawrence Murphy was a legendary Canadian defenceman who won four Stanley Cups, set multiple NHL records, and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame after a stellar 21-season career.
Position
Defence
Jersey
#5
Status
Retired
Teams
6
Facts
15
2
He won four Stanley Cup championships during his professional career.
3
He is the only NHL player to win back-to-back Stanley Cups with two different teams during the 1990s.
4
He set National Hockey League records for most assists and points by a rookie defenceman in the 1980-81 season.
5
His career spanned 21 seasons, during which he played for six different NHL teams.
6
He retired after the 2000–01 NHL season holding the record for the most career games played by a defenceman.
7
With 1,216 career points, he is currently the fifth-highest scoring defenceman in NHL history.
8
He was a key member of Canada's championship team in the 1987 Canada Cup.
9
He won a Memorial Cup with the Peterborough Petes in 1979 during his junior career.
10
A trade early in his career to the Washington Capitals did not work out long-term for his former team due to his prolonged success.
11
He tied a playoff record for most shorthanded goals by a defenceman in the 1997–98 NHL Playoffs.
12
Fans of the Toronto Maple Leafs booed him mercilessly as a scapegoat, despite him being the team's highest-paid player.
13
He was used as a decoy by Wayne Gretzky on Mario Lemieux's tournament-winning goal in Game 2 of the 1987 Canada Cup Final.
14
A defensive maneuver he employed, lifting the puck high to clear the zone without icing, was officially coined the 'Murphy Dump' by a Penguins broadcaster.
15
After his playing career, he transitioned into a role as a studio analyst and fill-in color commentator for the Detroit Red Wings.
About Larry Murphy
Lawrence Murphy was a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who played over 20 years in the NHL, winning four Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Detroit Red Wings. He set rookie records for assists and points by a defenceman and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2004. Known for his longevity and consistent play, he retired as the defenceman with the most career games played at the time.
Career Achievements & Milestones
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Stanley Cup Champion
1991
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Stanley Cup Champion
1997
✓
Hockey Hall of Fame Inductee
2004
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NHL Record: Most Points by a Rookie Defenceman
1980-81
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NHL Record: Most Assists by a Rookie Defenceman
1980-81
Player Information & Stats
Detailed career statistics and background information about Larry Murphy.
Player Info
Country: Canada
Position: Defence
Jersey #: 5
Status: Retired
Age: 64 years old
Physical Stats
Height: 6' 2" (188 cm)
Weight: 210 lbs (95 kg)
Born: Scarborough, Ontario, Canada
Career Stats
Seasons: 21
Goals: 288
Assists: 929
Points: 1217
Teams: 6
Drafted: 1980
Round: 1st
Hall of Fame: ✓ Inducted
Teams & Career
Los Angeles Kings Washington Capitals Minnesota North Stars Pittsburgh Penguins Toronto Maple Leafs Detroit Red Wings
Larry Murphy played for 6 different teams during his 21 seasons career. He was originally drafted 1st overall by the Los Angeles Kings in 1980.