Avalanche adds defenseman Ryan Murray in free agency

The Avalanche connected Monday agreed to a one-year declaration with Ryan Murray, the archetypal defenseman selected successful the 2012 NHL draught (second overall). Murray, 27, volition marque $2 million, per a league source.

Murray, 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, played past play with the New Jersey Devils, aft playing his archetypal 7 with the Columbus Blue Jackets. He was traded from Columbus to New Jersey for a fifth-round draught prime connected Oct. 8, 2020. Murray had 14 points successful 48 games for the Devils.

“Ryan is an effectual two-way defenseman who tin supply minutes and added puck question to our backmost line,” Avalanche wide manager Joe Sakic said successful a statement. “We similar the acquisition helium brings to our locker room, and we’re excited to spot him acceptable successful with our group.”

The Avs’ signed defensemen see Cale Makar ($9 cardinal headdress hit), Erik Johnson ($6.3 million), Sam Girard ($5 million), Devon Toews ($4.1 million), Bo Byram ($894,167), Kurtis MacDermid ($875,000) and Jacob MacDonald ($725,000). Sakic said the precocious acquired MacDermid volition besides play forward.

The summation of Murray further puts Colorado up against the $81.5 cardinal wage cap. Based connected a 22-player roster (maximum is 23 players), the Avs lone person astir $2 cardinal to spare.