COLUMBUS, OHIO -- The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed defenseman Ryan Murray to a two-year contract extension through the 2017-18 National Hockey League season, club General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen announced today.

Murray, 22, has tallied four goals and 13 assists for 17 points with 32 penalty minutes in 55 games this season. He ranks third on the team in time on ice average (22:27) and is second among club defensemen in goals and points. He is one of three Blue Jackets – Boone Jenner and Gregory Campbell – to have played in every game this season.

“Ryan Murray is a talented, smart player who has been a very steady performer on our blue line and we are extremely happy to have this deal completed,” said Kekalainen. “Ryan has earned more ice time, showed steady improvement and contributed in all situations for us throughout the season. We look forward to his continued growth and development with our club.”

The Regina, Saskatchewan native was Columbus’ first pick, second overall, in the 2012 NHL Draft. He has registered 9-32-41 with 50 penalty minutes and a +2 plus/minus rating in 133 career NHL games, including 4-17-21 and 10 penalty minutes in 66 games as a rookie in 2013-14.

Prior to joining the Blue Jackets, Murray spent four seasons with the Everett Silvertips of the Western Hockey League where he tallied 22-99-121 and 121 penalty minutes with a +51 plus/minus rating in 191 games from 2009-13. He served as the team’s captain during his final two seasons. He also represented Canada at the 2011 IIHF World Under-18 Junior Championships and the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championships. Also in 2012, he became the second-youngest player ever to represent Canada at the IIHF World Championships. The youngest is Paul Kariya in 1993.



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