With the No. 2 pick in the 2012 NHL Draft, the Columbus Blue Jackets select Ryan Murray, a defenseman from the Everett Silvertips of the Western Hockey League.
Murray was ranked No. 2 among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting, and No. 2 overall by TSN, and was the top-ranked defenseman on both rankings. Murray, much like fellow top prospect Nail Yakupov, had an injury shortened season, but still performed well, leading all Everett blueliners with 31 points (9 goals, 22 assists) in 46 games. He also represented Canada in the 2012 World Junior Championships and put up two points in five games. He was one of only two players eligible for the 2012 draft to play for Canada’s junior team.
Murray, despite his solid offensive statistics, is known more as a defensive defenseman who can make a solid first pass out of the zone, while making good decisions and not suffering from mistakes.