The memory of a sports fan is extremely short.
It doesn't matter the sport really, if you perform, all can be forgiven.
Ryan Murray has been on the roller coaster ride of his life as a defensemen for the Columbus Blue Jackets. On a night to night basis, you could throw a dart board to try and gauge the tenor of the fan's feelings on Murray.
In what was likely his worst year to date and his value at an all-time low, Murray was involved in a report by the Columbus Dispatch that he would be exposed in the upcoming expansion draft. Naturally, people freaked out over that possibility.
It came out that Murray would be protected when each team's lists were revealed and it is plain as day why he was protected. Especially over the likes of Jack Johnson.
Money.
Johnson had one of his best years in the league this past year and is set to become an unrestricted free agent. Murray's year was less than ideal and is a restricted free agent. Bringing Johnson back into the fold at the age of 31 after next season would be a near nightmare, while on the other side of the coin you have Murray as a restricted free agent at 24 years old.
Which is more appealing to an expansion club trying to plan for the long-term?
One player you get to control his pathway and the other is able to take his services elsewhere. If Johnson gets demonstrably better he can walk, if Murray improves it is found money.
Any situation where you compare the two, Murray comes out with an advantage. Johnson isn't set to improve again in his 30's, he has played some of his best hockey. Regardless of whether or not the Vegas Golden Knights select him, his career life span doesn't go on for much longer.
With Murray you get both the short term and long term figured out. That is too valuable to pass up, especially in a scenario where some believe the skill difference is negligible.
The Blue Jackets may not be sold on the long-term viability of Murray due to prior performance and injury but he can't be given up on now. If anything his value can only go up.
Murray is a partially drawn canvas waiting to be finished, the Blue Jackets need to see it out until the end. Bailing on it now would be a short sighted move.
