So, the draft has come and gone. We here in Bluejacketland have another D man, and the world goes on. Consensus is that it was a good pick. Consensus also is that it was a safe pick and a smart pick. So what makes a good, a smart and safe pick? Just as the Oilers are being lauded for taking the best available in Nail, the Blue jackets should be similarly lauded for taking the best available in Ryan Murray
Does he have talent, and is he NHL ready. Yes to both. Any youth that at 18 years of age with no professional experience, who is asked to play for his country against the best men in the world and does so is ready. Will he have ups and downs, yes he will. He has a huge transition to make. He will have bumps in the road. Will he play in Columbus nest year, probably. Could he be playing in Springfield? Possibly, or more likely possibly some. All these things are pretty obvious.
I believe the Blue Jackets did not only draft talent, they drafted character. And that is why they drafted the best available, not only based on talent, but based on who the person is. There is an old saying, “it’s what’s inside that counts” which is actually based on a Bible verse,
At this time while the Blue Jackets are trying to establish a new image, and develop their own character, they did/do not need any questions as to a player’s character. Most fans are aware that the Blue Jackets new assistant coach, Craig Hartsburg was Rayan Murray’s coach for 2 years. I’m sure that having Craig as a character witness had something to do with the final decision making. In fact, per Scott Howson when asked why the Blue Jackets selected Ryan Murray his answer was “Pedigree. Hockey sense. Intangibles. Character. Leadership.” Note that he did not mention skills.
From The Bleacher Report the quote is “Two of the best attributes about his game cannot be measured on the stat sheet, and they are his remarkable composure and leadership ability. When you look at many of the best leaders in the NHL right now, it’s not surprising that many of them are defensemen. It wouldn’t be surprising at all if Murray leads an NHL team as captain at some point in his career.
He’s the complete package and has nearly all the qualities that a general manager could want when taking a defenseman high in the first round. He is the typical franchise defenseman that most great teams are built on.”
Another quote “The 18 year old has played with skill and passion since joining the team full time during the 2009-2010 season and cementing a leadership role on the ‘Tips defensive line and earning the Captainship age 17 in his second season with the team. Murray has 104 career pointswith the Silvertips in 168 games (20 goals, 84 assists) and a +/- rating of a whopping +51.
The fan favorite has also been a favorite with NHL scouts, who had opportunities to watch him in action on several fronts: with the Silvertips, and as part of Team Canada at the World Juniors (which won the Bronze medal) and as one of the youngest players to represent Canada at the World Championships.” this time from King5.com a TV station.
Welcome Ryan