Will Ryan Murray Be With The Columbus Blue Jackets In 2013-14?


Ryan Murray

Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Columbus Blue Jackets got some good news recently, with word that Ryan Murray was nearing 100 percent following surgery on his shoulder and would be ready for their developmental camp later on this summer. The no. 2 overall pick went down in early January with a dislocated shoulder, with a rehab that was expected to take six months.

That schedule put him right on track to return some time in July to full strength. He’s a bit ahead of that, as the front office of the Blue Jackets has reported that he’s pretty much at 100 percent as far as his shoulder is concerned, which means he’ll be ready for developmental camp and training camp this summer.

But will Murray be with the Blue Jackets this season? There was speculation that he could have started right off with Columbus after he was selected no. 2 overall in last summer’s draft, but the injury closed the book on that, as it took place just as the lockout had come to an end.

Murray really is the total package as a defenseman for the Blue Jackets. While they have a solid grouop of blue liners right now, Murray represents the future of this defensive corps and is a franchise player. He’s terrific in his own zone and has a big shot from the point, with the potential to be a strong offensive contributor from the blue line.

He also has the intangibles you want from a young player. He’s a leader. On a young Blue Jackets team, he’d be an asset in so many ways. He can make an impact for this team in so many ways. Prior to the draft,  he was considered the most NHL ready player. There’s no reason to think he’ll start the season anywhere else other than Columbus in 2013-14.


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