COLUMBUS, OHIO – The
Columbus Blue Jackets have signed defenseman
Ryan Murray to a standard three-year entry level contract, club Executive Vice President and General Manager Scott Howson announced today. Murray was the Blue Jackets’ first pick, second overall, in this past June’s NHL Draft.
Murray, 18, scored nine goals and 22 assists for 31 points and had 31 penalty minutes in 46 games with the
Everett Silvertips of the Western Hockey League during the 2011-12 season. He led club defensemen in goals, assists and points despite an injury shortened season. He represented Canada at the 2012 World Junior Championships (bronze medal) and 2012 World Championships.
A native of White City, Saskatchewan, Murray recorded 6-40-46, 45 penalty minutes and was +18 in 70 games with Everett in 2010-11. He led the team in assists and plus/minus rating and was third in points, while leading club defensemen in goals (tied) and points. He notched 5-22-27 with 31 penalty minutes and was +33 in 52 games in 2009-10 for Everett and was named the team’s Rookie of the Year.