A year ago, Ryan Murray was playing junior hockey for the Everett Silvertips of the Western Hockey League.
We'll never know if he would have made the Columbus Blue Jackets out of training camp because of last year's NHL lockout. There was no traditional September camp, so the number two pick in the 2012 draft returned to play for the Silvertips. In mid-November of last year, he injured his shoulder on a routine hockey play, an injury that required season-ending surgery.
After months of arduous rehabilitation here in Columbus, Murray had healed to the point that he was cleared to play in the Blue Jackets Development Camp and then participated in his first NHL training camp. We all know what happened after that: Murray not only made the NHL club, but he's contributing significant minutes on the ice.
A little over a tenth of the way into his rookie season, the native of Saskatchewan says he's starting to get a feel for this NHL thing.
"It's been pretty good so far. It's my first year and first taste of NHL action, and I feel I'm getting more used to the style of game and speed and everything. I think I'm just getting used to everything still."
Consistent with his persona, the understated Murray may have been understating his early NHL progress with that quote. For someone who just exited his teenage years a month ago, he's showing the poise and composure of a long-time NHL veteran. That's not easy for any young NHL player, let alone a defenseman. In development circles around the NHL it's a universally accepted notion that it takes young d-men a little longer to get where they need to be in this league.
Right now, though, Murray seems to be on the development fast track. The game seems to slow down when he has the puck on his stick. Or, maybe more accurately, the 6'1, 208-lb. blueliner may be the one responsible for the apparent slowdown. He has the skills and poise to look around when he has possession of the puck and make good decisions. Whether it's a quick outlet pass out of his own zone or a deft move to keep the play alive offensively, he seems to be able to buy himself that extra millisecond to make the right play.
Does he feel things are slowing down a bit for him out there?
"Yeah, I've been feeling really comfortable the last couple of games, and I'm starting to play with some confidence and realize what I can do out there at this level," Murray explained. "I'm still learning, but at the same time I feel like I've already come a long way."
The former Silvertips captain credits the chance to get significant ice time early on in the season, as well as the opportunity to play alongside James Wisniewski as factors that have helped accelerate his learning curve as an NHL rookie.
"I feel like I've gotten a lot of opportunity, and I've been able to play with Wiz here," said Murray. "He's helped me come such a long way from the start of the year. He's always talking to me and helping me through every single game. I've got to keep learning and keep moving forward."
If he keeps playing the way he has, there's little doubt Ryan Murray will keep moving forward as an NHL defenseman. And you get the feeling the more he slows it down, the faster that progress will be.
