Knowing that your name is involved in trade rumors is tough to ignore. It is even harder when the rumors span an entire summer, but such is life for Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Ryan Murray.
“After everything this summer, and after how last season went, I didn’t think there was a chance in hell I’d be back here,” Murray said to The Athletic's Aaron Portzline.
It is more than an uncomfortable situation for Murray. Regardless, if he's with the Blue Jackets, he will play. He has a spot to earn and something to prove, according to coach John Tortorella. The problem? He's had trouble staying on the ice, as his health has been less than stellar throughout his short career.
Over: 55 games
It may come as a surprise that Murray has played 55-plus games in three of his first four NHL seasons. Only one of those seasons was cut short after he made the league.
While injuries remain a concern, his place on the depth chart been called into question recently, as well. Murray went from a top-pairing player to a bottom-pairing player in one season -- that doesn't happen in this league without serious regression or prolonged bouts with injury.
Last season, Murray's PDO was as high as it has ever been, but his shot differential metrics were the worst they have ever been. Playing with a rookie in Markus Nutivaara last season had a lot to do with it, but to be fair, Murray has never been a world beater.
His best seasons have come playing with James Wisniewski and Seth Jones. Now, after a few days of practices, the possibility of Gabriel Carlsson coming in and playing with him is fascinating. Carlsson is labeled as a defensive defenseman and would allow Murray to assume more of an offensive role.
That should give him a boost in many metrics not only because he will be regressing towards his averages, but he will have a player that isn't going to be changing constantly. That may do wonders for him and could help his trade value as well.
Under: 55 games
If a Matt Duchene trade goes down, Murray is likely part of that transaction. As far as young defensemen on the Blue Jackets go, he holds the least value. Zach Werenski is untouchable, Jones just signed a team-friendly deal that goes until forever. Carlsson and Nutivaara are on entry-level contracts and are found money. It's tough to match the value there.
Murray is also the most replaceable of the bunch. For his steady play and great passing, other attributes on players riding the bench are just as impressive. Nutivaara has an offensive streak to him and Carlsson is just as steady, if not more so.
If he isn't traded, an injury is an unfortunate but likely outcome that Murray has dealt with season after season. This isn't to say Murray has an issue with a body part like, say, his knees, but it's become an unfortunate pattern that has inhibited his development.
Most if not all of Murray's injuries have been freak accidents that happened during the run of play or in practice. Murray has only played 82 games once and all other seasons have been shortened by injury.
For better or for worse, Murray has a career-defining season ahead.
Official prediction: 65 GP
