Confirmed Signing with Link: [COL] Ryan Murray signs with the Avalanche (1 year, $2M)

[tucker3434]

Between him and EJ, maybe we’ll get 1 season’s worth of play. I like it.

 

[majormajor]

He's also been plagued by injuries since then. Back injuries can significantly impact players, which in his case they have.

If you're expecting anything more than a low event 3rd pairing D you haven't watched him play.

He isn't as quick as he used to be but his brain still works. As of last August he was still one of the best passers on the Jackets. His smooth transition play was missed.

If you care about defence then Murray is an outstanding defenceman and IMO was the 2nd best available as a UFA. Injuries are an issue with him, but he's basically a 27 year old left handed Chris Tanev: injury prone, great 5 on 5 defender, great penalty killer, provides almost nothing offensively.

I would agree that the quality with Murray is really good, he has a great effect on his partners. But the difference between him and someone like Tanev is that when Tanev is healthy he can still play 24 hard minutes. Murray has a permanent back condition and needs to play less or he'll break.

Which is exactly what the Avs need. I remember him to be a decent skater before his injuries as well. Not sure how good he still is but probably good enough to thrive in our system. Between him and EJ we hopefully have 1 available most of the time (especially in the playoffs).

Very happy about it.

Way better than spending the caproom on a Tatar or DeBrusk.

His skating isn't as quick these days. I would say his solid defense and good passing is more his calling card.

I’d imagine him and EJ swap throughout the season depending on who is healthy and feeling good.

Toews - Makar
Girard - Johnson
Byram - Murray

Would be my guess. If they can stay healthy the Avs are going to have their best top six defense since their golden years.

I don't think Murray has ever played the right side. I think a younger spryer LD could switch sides more ably.

 

[Northern Avs Fan]

Love it.

Bednar is going to use this guy all around the lineup. From bottom pair to time with Makar.

He’s not amazing, but he gives the Avs a stronger and more versatile defence.

 

[Pucklington]

He isn't as quick as he used to be but his brain still works. As of last August he was still one of the best passers on the Jackets. His smooth transition play was missed.



I would agree that the quality with Murray is really good, he has a great effect on his partners. But the difference between him and someone like Tanev is that when Tanev is healthy he can still play 24 hard minutes. Murray has a permanent back condition and needs to play less or he'll break.



His skating isn't as quick these days. I would say his solid defense and good passing is more his calling card.



I don't think Murray has ever played the right side. I think a younger spryer LD could switch sides more ably.

He's a good player. Just was commenting on the poster calling him the second best defensemen on the market.

He's a good depth defensemen with a history of back issues.

Good signing, but this alone won't move the dial for Colorado.

 

[Richard88]

I love this. Absolutely delighted that Sakic got Murray at this cheap contract. The Avs D is absolutely stacked. 6 guys who can all play in the top 4, and Murray will take a lot of heavy PK minutes off of Toews, Girard, and Byram.

 

[The Abusement Park]

we're talking about Ryan Murray here though. he'll probably get injured first!

Hopefully EJ and Murray’s injuries don’t coincide. Although granted they’ll both be out long term if they get injured lol.

 

[Northern Avs Fan]

He’d be, what, #5 on their depth chart? He should do well there.

I think #6

 

[Paul4587]

If he can stay on the ice that’s a solid signing. Underrated player.

 

[Pure Slaughter Value]

Yeah. Perfect fit, easily the best signing of free agency.

Yeah, he's a shoe-in for Norris consideration this year.

Your homer glasses are gigantic!

 

[Kaner9]

That's real good if he's healthy. If if if

 

[SJinNewJersey]

Good solid D Man. Would liked to have seen the Devs resign him.

Only negative are the injuries.

 

[Gurglesons]

Solid move, but injuries have really added up for Murray.

 

[Siludin]

Good deal. Good team for Murray to bet on himself with, too. Even if he puts up zero points, if Colorado even just makes the playoffs, he can spin this into something well north of the Poolman contract.

 

[Rubi]

I was hoping Calgary would sign him to a short term contract giving Valimaki and Mackey time to develop.

 

[Cousin Eddie]

Sakic replaced Ryan Graves with Ryan Murray while saving 1.2M and picking up a few free assets including a 2nd rounder. That certainly softens the blow of the price he had to pay to get Kuemper

 

[MauDevils]

He was awesome for us early in the season, but the injuries started like they have his entire career. He never looked good again after his first hiatus.

It's not "If" ... he just isn't going to stay healthy. Glad the Devil's didn't re-sign him, he pretty much guarantees you'll have to start juggling things around.

 

[DudeWhereIsMakar]

I think this is too solid of a signing.

 

[Goptor]

He's better than Graves.

But there's a good chance he ends up missing half the season.

 

[Richard88]

Grubauer --- Kuemper
Graves ------ Ryan Murray
Timmins --- Johnson
Nemeth ---- Byram
Bellemare -- Maltsev
Donskoi ---- Helm
Saad -------- Newhook

If we get a top 6 forward then every single one could arguably be considered an upgrade, certainly all the defensive changes are.

 

[Richard88]

He's better than Graves.

But there's a good chance he ends up missing half the season.

They just need him fit in the playoffs. The regular season his presence won't matter that much.

 

[Toronto makebeleifs]

Very solid signing if he can stay healthy. Bit jellies at this price/ term

 

[Chardo]

#2 overall and only 27, lots of upside

If you're already 27 with 400 NHL games, you've hit your upside.

 

[3074326]

He's a really solid player when he's on the ice. If he's on the bottom pair, he's one of the best bottom pair dmen in the league. Really the only downside is he's going to miss a good chunk of the season. He's only played one full season.

 

[CarolinaBlueJacket]

Why does everyone think this is a good signing? He will be out for more than half the season. He was OK for the Jackets, but nothing special.
As for being number two overall... Yes he was and who was number 1 that year? Yakupov. He has had a better career than Nail but not by a lot.

 

[tarheelhockey]

If you're already 27 with 400 NHL games, you've hit your upside.

Nah I say we wait and let it play out