Report: Vegas expected to select former 2nd overall draft pick

Columbus Blue Jackets insider and Columbus Dispatch reporter Aaron Portzline is reporting the details of the rumored deal between the Jackets and Vegas Golden Knights in advance of tonight’s NHL Expansion Draft.

It’s believed that in exchange for passing on forwards Alexander Weinberg, Josh Anderson and goaltender Joonas Korpisalo, the Blue Jackets will trade their first round pick in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft (24th overall) and “steer” the expansion franchise toward selecting either Matt Calvert, William Karlsson or Ryan Murray. Portzline notes that injured forward David Clarkson may also be part of the deal, added merely as a cap dump for the Blue Jackets.

It’s a surprising development, to say the least. Especially when you consider the pedigree of Ryan Murray and what he could do for his career with a fresh start. The 23 year-old defender was drafted 2nd overall by the Blue Jackets in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, but has struggled to gain any traction in his career mostly due to injuries and bad luck. His career high of 25 points in 2015-16 leaves a little to be desired, but he’s shown flashes of brilliance throughout his young career. Here’s to hoping that a fresh start in Vegas gives him the physical and mental boost that he so badly needs.