RYAN MURRAY MOVES TO NEW JERSEY
The New Jersey Devils acquired defenseman Ryan Murray from the Columbus Blue Jackets for a fifth-round draft pick in 2021.
What does it give the New Jersey Devils
The Devils were in the market for a top-four rearguard, preferably a left defenseman, so landing Murray makes sense here. He has experience and can provide stability, but he has endured countless injury issues. Murray can help New Jersey as long as he can play most of the games this season. He can become an unrestricted free agent beyond 2020-21.
What does it give the Columbus Blue Jackets
For the Blue Jackets, this move is designed to shed payroll on the salary cap. The club already traded D-man Markus Nutivaara to Florida, but they are deep enough to withstand a second defenseman deal here. With Seth Jones, Zach Werenski, David Savard and Vladislav Gavrikov manning the first four slots along the blueline, Columbus has enough depth at the position.
Fantasy impact
Murray is not a recommendable fantasy asset because of his lengthy injury history. Even if he plays a full schedule in '20-21, he is more likely to establish himself as a defensive defenseman on the Devils. He will likely be used on the shutdown pairing.
