The New Jersey Devils have acquired defenseman Ryan Murray from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for a 2021 5th round draft pick.
Even though this trade can be seen as a salary dump, the Devils get really good value here for Murray. The 2nd overall pick in 2012, Murray has always been hampered by injuries, as the last time he played in more than 60 games in a season was 2015-16. In a 59 game season in 2018-19, Murray showed promise as a defensive defenseman, and earned himself a two year extension with an AAV of $4.6 million. The Blue Jackets have been shedding salary all day, clearing up $11.8 million in cap space by trading away Murray and Markus Nutivaara, and buying-out Alex Wennberg. Even if it is a dump, Murray is worth more than a 5th round pick with just one year left and a somewhat reasonable salary if he is healthy. Erik Gudbranson, who has a cap hit just $600k less than Murray, got the same return in a trade to Ottawa today, while Murray is a much more valuable player. If Murray is healthy (a really big if), then the Devils might have found themselves a partner for PK Subban and a steal.
Murray, 27, scored two goals with seven assists for nine points in 27 games for the Blue Jackets in 2019-20. In his NHL career, all in Columbus, Murray has 15 goals with 95 assists for 110 points in 347 games.
CarterHud 