Free-agent defenceman Ryan Murray is signing a one-year contract with the Colorado Avalanche worth $2 million.
It’s 1x$2M
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) August 2, 2021
Ryan Murray On The Move Again
The Devils defence will again look very different next season with the departure of Ryan Murray. New Jersey acquired Murray from the Columbus Blue Jackets in the off-season. The Devils felt that Murray would bring an extra bite to the defence that was missing. However, things have not worked out for him and the Devils. In 48 games with the Devils this season he has registered just 14 points all assists. That is down from his totals from last season of nine points. Not to mention Murray has been injury-prone. This season Murray has been out of the lineup on two occasions because of an injury this season with the Devils. In addition, head coach Lindy Ruff has made Murray a healthy scratch once this season already.
Murray is a very good defenceman, but the point totals are just not there for him this season. His high of 29 points came with the Blue Jackets during the 2018-19 season. For his career, Murray has recorded 114 points (15 goals and 99 assists) in 371 career NHL games. However, if you are expecting Murray to get points, don’t he is more of a stay-at-home defenceman. Originally he started out on the top defensive pair but has moved down the lineup. And has played a lot better there especially alongside Sami Vatanen.
Murray’s Role Going Forward
As mentioned earlier, Murray is not a top-pair defenceman in the league. He is more of a depth player. But he can eat lots of minutes playing in the right situation. As much as New Jersey wanted Murray to succeed, the Devils are such a young team that Murray really did not fit in with them. The Avalanche signing him, will use him correctly and put him into a role where he can succeed. That being on a second or third defensive pair. Murray has the ability to be a good stable defenseman in the league, but the big concern will always be his injury history. He is in a place where he can chase a Stanley Cup now.
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