With Jack Johnson moving on and a dwindling salary cap, can the Columbus Blue Jackets re-sign both Ryan Murray and Ian Cole?
One of the Columbus Blue Jackets’ team strengths is their young depth at defenseman. This same depth presents a unique conundrum in Columbus this offseason with both Ryan Murray and Ian Cole seeking new contracts. The differences between the two d-men are numerous, but perhaps none more significant than their free agent status.
Cole, 29 is an unrestricted free agent. Murray on the other hand is a restricted free agent. This allows the Jackets an opportunity to match any offer sheets the left-handed defenseman might receive.
At just 24 years old, Murray has been riddled with injuries throughout his career – playing just one full season since his 2012 debut. An excellent passer, he is widely considered the better offensive-defenseman. Cole on the other hand is an edgy penalty killer with a heavy style of play that wears on opponent forwards.
It has been well-documented throughout CBJ circles that the front office wants Cole playing his hockey back in Nationwide next year. Cole has said all the right things and genuinely seems to like the organization. As we all know though, contract talks prioritize nothing more than the almighty dollar.
Cole made $2.1 million last year. For a reliable veteran of his caliber, that is a very reasonable figure. Unfortunately for the Columbus Blue Jackets, Cole will certainly seek a raise. How much is not yet known publicly.
Columbus Blue Jackets
This brings us to the fate of Ryan Murray. Even though the Jackets have a ton of young defenseman who could play for a number of NHL teams, it’s unlikely they would be willing to part with both starters, Murray and Cole. With GM Jarmo Kekäläinen and crew showing public preference to a Cole re-signing, one has to wonder if Murray’s 2017-2018 wage of $2.85 million is much less likely to land him back with the CBJ next season.
If Murray is looking for similar money and Cole signs for $2.1 or slightly more, the former could be playing elsewhere in 2018-2019. There is plenty of time for shakeup in Columbus, but it looks like the Jackets are wanting to see what Cole does before making a move on Murray.
I could be wrong, but all signs point to Murray’s fate being at least partially in the hand’s of Cole’s decision to stay or go. Throw in Jack Johnson’s departure and I would wager that the Blue Jackets front office does not want to lose three veteran defensemen in one offseason. Johnson’s leaving might’ve been a foregone conclusion, but losing a second and third-paired defenseman as well is something Jarmo will look to avoid.
This presents one final question. If the Columbus Blue Jackets more aggressively approach the Cole contract and slow play Murray’s, can the former #2 overall pick be content to wait?
Next: CBJ 2018 Free Agents on the Blue Line
It was no secret that Ryan Murray was unhappy about being a healthy scratch in the final quarter of the Jackets’ season. He expressed his displeasure and responded well. Now that 2017-2018 is wrapped up, can “Murr” show patience in Columbus?