RELEASE: Devils Acquire Murray From Columbus

The New Jersey Devils today acquired defenseman Ryan Murray from Columbus in exchange for New Jersey's fifth-round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft.
"Ryan is a smart, two-way defenseman who fills a need on the left side of our top four," said Executive Vice President/General Manager Tom Fitzgerald. "His poise, defensive acumen and transitional game will pair nicely with our current defensemen on the right side and he will play an important role for us."

Murray, 27, scored two goals and seven assists for nine points with four penalty minutes in 27 games last season with the Blue Jackets, while averaging nearly 20 minutes of ice time (19:57). In the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs, he added one goal in nine contests. In 2018-19, Murray set career highs in assists (28), points (29) and plus/minus (+20), while leading the club in average shorthanded time on ice (2:32) in 56 games.

In 347 career NHL games in seven seasons all with Columbus, he scored 15 goals and 95 assists for 110 points. He has also accumulated 104 penalty minutes and a plus-13 while averaging 20:21 of ice time. The 6'1", 205lb. blue-liner has skated in 20 career Stanley Cup Playoff contests, notching one goal and two assists with four penalty minutes.
Born September 27, 1993, the native of Regina, Saskatchewan, was Columbus' first-round selection, 2nd overall choice, in the 2012 NHL Draft. Prior to the NHL, he played four seasons (2009-10 to 2012-13) with Everett (WHL) where he served as captain his last two seasons. In 191 WHL games, he scored 22 goals and 99 assists for 121 points. In 20 WHL playoff games, he added six goals and 10 assists for 16 points and eight penalty minutes. Murray has represented his home country of Canada in international play, winning a Gold Medal at the 2016 World Championships and a Bronze Medal at the 2012 World Junior Championships. He also participated in the 2012 and 2018 World Championships and was a member of Team North America during the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.