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More good news for Columbus: Murray off IR following 36-game absence

Ryan Murray

Ryan Murray

AP

Maybe, just maybe, things are starting to turn around in Columbus.

Yesterday, the Blue Jackets returned Artem Anisimov (torn triceps) from a 23-game absence and today, the team announced defenseman Ryan Murray was activated off IR after missing the last 36 contests.

Murray, 21, has been plagued all year by knee problems, having missed the first seven games of the year following offseason surgery. The former No. 2 overall pick -- taken behind Nail Yakupov at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft -- also missed time last year with a knee problem.

Getting Murray back is a huge boost for the Jackets. Despite his injury issues, he still managed to score 21 points in 66 games last season and average nearly 20 minutes a night. Columbus also leaned on him heavily during last year’s opening-round playoff loss to Pittsburgh, during which he played 22:44 a night.