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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):

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):

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.