Blackhawks color analyst Troy Murray has died.

The Chicago Blackhawks have confirmed some truly terrible news on Saturday morning.

In an official statement, the team has confirmed the passing of former National Hockey League player and Blackhawks color analyst Troy Murray after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Originally diagnosed with cancer all the way back in August of 2021, Murray fought valliantly against the disease and even worked his way back into the broadcast booth despite the terrible diagnosis. Murray spoke openly about how returning to work in the sport that he loved so dearly had reinvigorated him.

"Compared to a year ago, my stamina and endurance is much better," said Murray one year after his diagnosis as per NHL.com. "It got to a point where I wasn't able to do a lot and that was frustrating for me being very active my whole life. But I'm in a position now where I have the ability to do some things I couldn't do.

"I appreciate the fact that I am in this position, I don't take anything for granted at this point. Just to be able to come back and do the broadcasting, which is good mentally for me, which is also good as far as your overall health and well-being, I'm glad I've been able to be put in this position to come back."

Murray was of course much more than a broadcaster in the sport of hockey with a terrific career of his own on the National Hockey League. Murray would play a total of 914 regular season games with the Blackhawks, Winnipeg Jets, Ottawa Senators, Pittsburgh Penguins and Colorado Avalanche. It was during Murray's final season in the NHL, his only season as a member of the Avalanche, that Murray would be crowned a champion when he won the Stanley Cup during the 1996 Stanley Cup playoffs.

The Blackhawks released the following statement in response to today's terrible news:

The Chicago Blackhawks are deeply heartbroken today as we mourn the loss of Troy Murray, our beloved "Muzz," and our love and support go out to his family.

Troy was the epitome of a Blackhawk, so far beyond his incredible playing career with a presence felt in every corner of our organization over the last 45 years. He was admired by his teammates and our players, and was so proud to connect generations of Blackhawks through his work with the Blackhawks Alumni Association. 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 always knew the perfect time for a joke just when someone around the office needed it most. And he absolutely loved bringing Blackhawks hockey to you, our fans, night after night with a dedication to his craft that never wavered to the very end.

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.

I would like to extend my most sincere condolences to the Chicago Blackhawks organization, the Murray family, and all of Troy Murray's loved ones.