Though there was initially no timetable, Columbus Blue Jackets’ fans immediately assumed the worst when hearing that Ryan Murray had broken his hand. Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press confirmed those fears today, reporting that the defenseman would be out for four to six weeks. Murray blocked a shot against the Buffalo Sabres on his second shift of the game Saturday night, coming out of the game immediately.
The Blue Jackets had only dealt with minor injuries to the majority of their defense corps, with Zach Werenski and Jack Johnson having not missed a single game this season. Losing Murray is exactly the type of unfortunate scenario that led to the acquisition of Kyle Quincey at the deadline, who will likely assume much of the responsibility. Quincey’s flexibility to play both sides of the ice will allow the Blue Jackets to insert whoever they wish into the sixth spot, likely one of Scott Harrington or Markus Nutivaara.
Murray, the former second-overall pick of the 2012 draft, had been a workhorse for the Blue Jackets last season, logging over 22 minutes of icetime each night. With a full season from Seth Jones and the emergence of Werenski however, his importance had been dialed back this year. Still an integral piece of their penalty kill, his absence will surely be felt over the last month and a half of the season. Four weeks would bring him back just in time for the playoffs, while six would jeopardize the entire first round. With the Blue Jackets a lock for a playoff spot, but not necessarily home ice advantage, the remaining fifteen games are still extremely important.
Everyone knew it was just a matter of time before the mysterious emergence of this team wore off. It was going to be either injury or Tortorella, if not both. Columbus is just not (yet) that talented up front and now we’ll see the collapse against their rivals
So losing Murray will cause a collapse? Come on now..you don’t get to 92 pts (3 behind Washington for most points in hockey) by relying on one guy. I agree they are currently young and probably a few years off from being cup contenders but to call for a “collapse” is a bit much.
There is just no way this team gets out of the Conference. Maybe a “collapse” is a bit heavy handed, but they’ve played over their heads all season, and when push comes to shove (literally ), Torts will overplay his hand with guys like Calvert/Hartnell, if they’re even healthy.
And Hartnell has a nice amount of playoff experience with Philly so he’ll be given some decent ice time
Do you even watch the Jackets? Calvert has played in 51 of the teams 68 games (still winning without him) and Hartnell is 9th on the team in points..if you’re talking Jackets and you don’t mention guys like Dubi, Atkinson, Wennberg, Saad, Foligno, Gagner, Werenski then you aren’t doing them justice. You named 2 role players. Not to mention they have arguably a top 3 goalie in hockey