Columbus Blue Jackets

A healthy Murray could be Columbus' 'best acquisition'

Published Jun. 23, 2015 12:14 p.m. ET

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When the Columbus Blue Jackets selected defenseman Ryan Murray second overall in the 2012 NHL entry draft, he was heralded as the next big-thing on the blue line.

He hasn't quite lived up to expectations yet, but that is because he is A) just 21-years-old and B) he's often been injured.

Murray was able to play in just 12 games this season, consistently dealing with a knee and ankle injury. 

Columbus' GM Jarmo Kekalainen believes that the best offseason acquisition for the Blue Jackets won't come via trade or a free agency signing, but by simply adding a healthy Murray to the team on a consistent basis.

"We’re going to have this summer’s best acquisition if we can get a healthy Ryan Murray," the general manager told Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Post Dispatch.

Murray was drafted ahead of defensemen Morgan Reilly, Hampus Lindholm, Mathew Dumba and Jacob Trouba, all top-ten picks in the 2012 draft, and all guys who have played a huge part for their respective teams.

Murray was one of many injured on the Columbus Blue Jackets, who failed to make the playoffs this season. With Murray healthy on the blue line, he joins a core headlined by Jack Johnson and Fedor Tyutin.

A healthy Murray could be the key to Columbus' success next season.

(h/t The Score)

Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire/USA Today Sports

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