 Undrafted, Murphy played collegiate hockey with Michigan Tech of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association.Scoring at a point per game pace with 152 points in 145 games, Murphy was signed as a free agent by the Toronto Maple Leafs on September 14, 2005.Murphy made his professional debut upon completion of his college career, playing the Leafs affiliate the St. John's Maple Leafs at the end of the 2004–05 season.