Oilers Sign Defenseman Ryan Murray To 1-Year Deal

The Edmonton Oilers announced on Friday afternoon that they have signed defenseman Ryan Murray to a one-year, $750,000 contract.

Related: Winnipeg Jets Sign Sam Gagner to 1-Year Contract

Murray, 28, was a part of the 2021-22 Stanley Cup winning Colorado Avalanche’s roster, though he failed to suit up for any games in the playoffs. As he has for the majority of his career, he struggled with injuries in his one and only season with the Avs, suiting up for just 37 games. In those 37 games, he registered four assists while averaging just over 14 minutes of ice time.

Ironically enough, Murray joins the Oilers 10 years after many fans hoped the team would grab him in the infamous 2012 NHL Entry Draft, one in which the organization chose instead to select Nail Yakupov at second overall. Murray subsequently went to the Columbus Blue Jackets the very next pick, and remained with them for seven seasons before being traded to the New Jersey Devils prior to the 2020-21 campaign.

As mentioned, Murray has struggled to stay healthy throughout his 432-game career. Through his nine seasons, he has played north of 60 games just three times, with the latest coming back in 2016-17. Those injuries have played a major part in him failing to live up to the expectations placed on his shoulders after being such a high selection back in 2012.

Murray will come to training camp in what should be a serious competition for an opening roster. On the left side, there are two players who are guarantees to make the team in Darnell Nurse and Brett Kulak, and a number of others competing in Philip Broberg, Dmitri Samorukov, Markus Niemelainen and Vincent Desharnais. A few of those listed may be forced to begin the 2022-23 season in the American Hockey League, but will all be pushing for a call up in no time, meaning Murray will have to ensure he is at his best at all times if he hopes to be a regular on the Oilers back end.

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