Columbus Blue Jackets Ryan Murray Traveling, Close to Return

The Columbus Blue Jackets are starting to really rack up the man games missed this year. On defense, they still are without Ryan Murray.

The injuries the Columbus Blue Jackets have sustained have kept them from hitting their stride this season. From center depth being tested to a rash of defenseman getting hurt, this team is feeling the affects of man games missed.

One of the tougher injuries to deal with has been Ryan Murray. The 24-year-old was having one of his better seasons thus far until he was placed on injured reserve on December 2nd. The former number two overall pick has struggled with injuries his whole career and has missed 17 straight games for the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Murray though traveled with the team though for the first time since sustaining an upper body injury. Although he will not play against the Colorado Avalanche, the fact that Murray is traveling with the team is a good sign.

Columbus Blue Jackets

The defense has been relying more on Seth Jones and Zach Werenski to eat up minutes and David Savard and Jack Johnson have been split since the injury to cover their poor play this season.

Murray-Nuti 2nd Pair

Murray and Markus Nutivaara were close to being the second pair for the CBJ before Murray went down. The two were playing leaps and bounds better than Savard-Johnson and were eating up more and more minutes.

Nutivaara has continued his stellar play since Murray has been out but they will certainly be paired together upon Murray’s return. Nuti has 14 points thus far and just played his 100th NHL game. I expect the two to move up to the second pair as Savard and Johnson haven’t shown signs of improvement.

Murray is a possibility for the Sunday game against Florida in Nationwide Arena.