Date of birth: 9/27/93
Height: 6′ 1″
Weight: 195
Position: D
Acquired: Drafted in the 1st round, 2nd overall in 2012 by Columbus.
Corey Pronman Hockey Prospectus – @coreypronman
Year in Review: Murray looked good early on in the WHL, as well as in Under-20 play. He could have broken camp with Columbus prior to a shoulder injury that cost him most of his season.
The Good: Murray has clearly elite hockey sense and he embodies what one NHL source calls an all-situations, do-everything kind of player. He can shut down the opponent’s best players with very keen positioning and awareness. He also has the offensive creativity and sense to join the play, as well as make good decisions with the puck. Murray will not blow anyone away with his offensive ability, but it is there, and his offensive potential grades as between above-average and high-end. He is a plus skater who moves very well in every direction, allowing him to recover quickly.
The Bad: Murray missed most of the season with a shoulder injury, and he needs to continue to gain strength. There is no real notable weakness to his game otherwise.
Projection: He could be a star as a number one defenseman.
Internationals Scouting Services – @ISSHockey
A smooth and incredibly intelligent two-way defender, Murray has become an almost forgotten about prospect after a shoulder injury kept him out of the spotlight. He is mature and responsible and has an excellent risk management threshold. He should fit in well to the Blue Jackets roster and could become a very important leader in their system in the not too distant future.
Dobber Prospects – @dobberprospects
Fantasy Outlook: B+
A fluid skating stride and icy calm virtually guarantee that he will be a top four NHL defender but he may not possess elite offensive skills.
Carl Maloney of The Hockey Writers – @maloney3383
Murray had a shot to make the team last season out of camp, but a shoulder injury derailed his season and put him on the shelf. The #2 pick in 2012 is an exceptional skater and a very complete defenceman not only for his skill set but his intangibles.
So highly thought of that he was given a spot on Canada’s WHC team in 2012 as an 18 year old. On a Columbus defence that has Jack Johnson, Fedor Tyutin and James Wisniewski, Murray will head a list of solid young defence prospects and fit in seamlessly on the Blue Jackets blue line in 2013-14.
Ryan Murray drafted 2nd overall
