Jackets' prospect Murray out with shoulder injury

Ryan Murray, the second pick of the 2012 NHL Draft, is out indefinitely following an injury to his right shoulder sustained last week.

Murray, playing for the Everett Silvertips of the Western Hockey League, was injured during a Nov. 16 game against the Victoria Royals. Falling backward after being hit, he injured his shoulder trying to break his fall.

Murray had an MRI exam after the injury, with the results sent to the Columbus Blue Jackets' medical staff. The Columbus Dispatch is reporting the defenseman suffered a torn labrum.

The Blue Jackets would not comment on the severity of the injury, with general manager Scott Howson telling the Dispatch, "Surgery is not a certainty at this point. We aren't going to make a decision until Dr. (Larry) Watson is able to see him and examine him."

If Murray needs surgery, he could be out for a minimum of four months, and could miss the remainder of the season.

The Blue Jackets selected Murray after the 6-foot-1, 198-pound defenseman had 31 points in 46 games for Everett last season. He represented Canada at the 2012 World Junior Championship and was the youngest player on Canada's World Championship team, going without a point in three games.

Murray has 17 points in 23 games this season, and recently captained one Team WHL squad in the Subway Super Series against Russia. If available, Murray was considered a lock to again play for the Canada at this year's WJC, which starts Dec. 26 in Ufa, Russia.