Former first-rounder Ryan Murphy leaves North America again

For the second time in his hockey career, defender Ryan Murphy is once again leaving North America to play. The 29-year-old has signed a deal with Salavat Yulaev Ufa of the KHL.

Murphy's been in North America the past two seasons, but spent both in the AHL with the Grand Rapids Griffins and the Henderson Silver Knights. He played in the KHL for the entire season in 2019-20, and spent part of the next season there as well as the AHL was shut down due to COVID-19.

Murphy was drafted 12th overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in 2012, but never really lived up to expectations. He suited up for the Canes, Minnesota Wild, and New Jersey Devils in the NHL, but spent the bulk of his time in the AHL with those team's affiliates. The defenceman has managed 175 NHL games over that span, scoring 8 goals and 43 points.

"Negotiations were quick and easy," said Murphy on Ufa's official website. "I will return to the KHL to win with the team and show my best qualities on the ice. I will be glad to join a team that has a championship history."

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