When you've lost nine of your last ten games, good news becomes great news.
Defenseman Ryan Murray has been activated off injured reserve by the Columbus Blue Jackets after missing 34 games due to a lower-body injury suffered in December, according to the club.
TRANSACTION: #CBJ have activated defenseman Ryan Murray off Injured Reserve.https://t.co/rizisFK6UA
— CBJ Public Relations (@BlueJacketsPR) February 29, 2020
Murray will immediately draw back into the lineup via head coach John Tortorella, starting with a contest against the Vancouver Canucks at home on Sunday.
Torts says Ryan Murray will play tomorrow for #CBJ. First game for the defenseman since Dec. 14.
— Jeff Svoboda (@JacketsInsider) February 29, 2020
Nathan Gerbe is nicked up so thats why he didnt practice today.
With the recent loss of all-star Seth Jones, either indirectly or directly causing this massive skid for the Blue Jackets, the return of Murray is a sight for sore (and battered and bruised) eyes.
In his short time on the ice this season leading to his Dec. 14 injury in a game against Ottawa, Murray had put up 2-5-7 in 24 outings with the Blue Jackets. He also has recorded a 46.5 CF% and is ninth on the Blue Jackets in blocked shots, even with the number of games he has missed.
Despite this stat line that puts him amongst the most average of NHL defensemen, Murray has been, when healthy, a vibrant second-pair bluer liner for Columbus.
Eric Robinson gives this on A PLATTER to Ryan Murray. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/6Z7GO3TLyI
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) December 10, 2019
The former second-overall pick has a valuable blend of offensive playmaking and lockdown play that has made been a huge benefit for his team, again, when he is on the ice.
