Blue Jackets' Murray absent from camp due to lingering knee issue

Defenseman Ryan Murray did not skate with his Columbus Blue Jackets' teammates as training camp got rolling Friday. 

General manager Jarmo Kekalainen indicated Murray's absence was due to lingering issues after an offseason procedure to correct a knee injury. 

"This is part of his rehab process, and he's not going to skate everyday," Kekalainen told the team's website. "So, today was just one those days where he's not going to skate."

Murray, the second overall pick at the 2012 NHL Draft, registered four goals, 17 assists, a minus-four rating and 62 shots in 66 games as a rookie last season. He was also the only Columbus defenseman not named James Wisniewski to post a positive even strength Corsi rating (51.5 percent).

The 20-year-old is a key part of a young core of talented players in Columbus, and the Blue Jackets' brass must be hoping the issue doesn't linger for too long.