Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Sonny Milano and defenseman Ryan Murray each took a step in their respective recovery Sunday.
Milano, the Jackets first round pick (16th overall) from June, is recovering from facial fractures suffered during a rookie tournament earlier this month.
The 18-year-old, who will likely join the Plymouth Whalers of the Ontario Hockey League, will see doctors on Oct. 10 for another check up according to Columbus Dispatch reporter, Aaron Portzline.
Murray, who had his knee scoped in June, practiced with the second group in Columbus Sunday wearing a non-contact jersey and according to Blue Jackets website reporter, Rob Mixer, Murray is expected to be ready in time for Columbus’ season opener Oct. 9.
Meanwhile, Portzline reports Saturday’s signing of Jaden Schwartz by the St. Louis Blues will have no impact on negotiations between the Jackets and restricted free agent centre, Ryan Johansen.
According to Portzline, Johansen’s agent, Kurt Overhardt, has not used Schwartz as a comparable for Johansen during negotiations.