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Kitchener Rangers’ Ryan Murphy to make NHL debut with Carolina Hurricanes
It is hard to think of a bright young prospect who has had the vicissitudes of the hockey world — concussions, Hockey Canada cuts and training camp-cancelling lockouts — visited upon him more than Kitchener Rangers captain Ryan Murphy.
The Rangers will still be waiting for their captain when/if the Carolina Hurricanes get some of their established defencemen back from injuries. The puck-moving defenceman, who has stayed with the 'Canes through two training camps without ever getting into the lineup, will make his NHL debut for reals after injury-depleted Carolina summoned him on an emergency recall (both Tim Gleason and Joni Pitkanen are injured). Alas for Rangers supporters, it comes just says after Murphy's former junior teammate Jeff Skinner was diagnosed with a concussion. It has been a while in the making for Murphy, even if he might not stay for a while.
From Chip Alexander (@ice_chip):
Murphy taking part in some early PP work.
— Chip Alexander (@ice_chip) February 21, 2013
Murphy working with Harrison. Faulk and Corvo, Sangs and Jordan.
— Chip Alexander (@ice_chip) February 21, 2013
Pitkanen could return on weekend Muller says.
— Chip Alexander (@ice_chip) February 21, 2013
As noted, it's expected that Murphy should return to the Rangers in due time. Whether this costs them a point or two in the OHL's crowded Western Conference is anyone's educated guess. Kitchener (74 points in 57 games, .649 point pct.) is two points behind the Owen Sound Attack, but it is facing a 3-in-3 weekend against a trio of tough-out teams, the Sudbury Wolves, Saginaw Spirit and Brampton Battalion. Murphy's absence could catch up to them by the third game.
But Kitchener is probably used to operating without some of its parts. Between NHL camps, the world junior championship and injuries, their three NHL first-rounders, Murphy, the Dallas Stars' Radek Faksa and Ottawa Senators' Matt Puempel, have not played in the same game since Nov. 27. Star goalie John Gibson is also working his way back from a hip/groin ailment. Yet Kitchener has managed to churn out wins. It's overcome enough already.
From Rangers radio analyst Mike Farwell (@farwell590):
Remember that Murphy's recall is due to injuries to Joni Pitkanen & Tim Gleason. For Murphy to stick, he has to be better than them.
— Mike Farwell (@farwell590) February 21, 2013
Remember that Murphy's recall is due to injuries to Joni Pitkanen & Tim Gleason. For Murphy to stick, he has to be better than them.
— Mike Farwell (@farwell590) February 21, 2013
@hablover9 it's an emergency right now. But if he impresses, the NHL club does what it wants. I fully expect him back.
— Mike Farwell (@farwell590) February 21, 2013
Neate Sager is a writer for Yahoo! Canada Sports. Follow him on Twitter @neatebuzzthenet. Please address any questions, comments or concerns to btnblog@yahoo.ca.
