Alexei Murygin is being remembered by former coach Bob Hartley after the Russian goaltender died at 39.
Murygin built a professional career that stretched nearly 2 decades, beginning with Amur Khabarovsk before moving through several major Russian clubs.
He played for 6 KHL teams, including Metallurg Magnitogorsk, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, Avangard Omsk, Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod, Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk and Kunlun Red Star.
His defining performance came during the 2015-16 season. Murygin went 302 minutes and 11 seconds without allowing a goal, setting a KHL record at the time.
Timur Bilyalov later passed that mark, but Murygin's streak remained one of the strongest goaltending runs in league history.
He also built a Montreal connection during the 2018-19 season with Avangard. David Desharnais and Alexei Emelin shared that locker room under Hartley.
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Alexei Murygin remembered after passing away at 39
In 2019, Murygin was diagnosed with tonsillar cancer. His treatment costs were not covered by his team because the illness wasn't considered work-related.
He fought the illness privately, and by 2021 it was revealed that he had overcome the cancer and was preparing for another KHL opportunity.
That August, Murygin signed with Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod and continued the comeback that had once appeared uncertain.
He later joined Neftekhimik in 2022 before moving to Kunlun Red Star that November, extending a career defined by persistence in the crease.
Murygin transitioned into coaching in 2024, joining MHK Atlant Mytishchi as a goaltending coach and passing his experience to younger players.
His career numbers reflected long-term consistency. Murygin finished with a 103-125-28 record, a .921 save percentage and a 2.38 goals-against average.
He never reached the NHL, despite past speculation about a possible move to North America. His impact remained firmly established across Russian hockey.
Murygin leaves behind a record-setting streak, a successful return from cancer and a reputation built on calm, preparation and resilience. The hockey community now mourns a respected goaltender gone far too soon.
Should the KHL permanently honour Alexei Murygin's record-setting career?
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