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Former NHL first-rounder Ryan Murphy leaves KHL team

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TJ Tucker
March 14, 2020  (5:48 PM)
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According to a release by Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk, the team and former NHL 12th overall pick Ryan Murphy have agreed to part ways. Murphy, a defenseman, played 60 games with Neftekhimik last season, netting five goals and recording 23 points.

The 26-year-old was drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round in 2011. He played just over 150 games with the team before being traded to the Calgary Flames and being immediately bought out of the final year of his contract in June of 2017. He then signed with the Minnesota Wild but spent most of his time with Iowa in the AHL. In January of 2019, he was traded to the New Jersey Devils, but played just one game with the team and was not tendered a qualifying offer at the end of the 2018-19 season. He then left North America for the KHL.

Murphy signed a one-year contract with Neftekhimik with an option for renewal. However, according to the team, the decision for Murphy to leave was a mutual one. Neftekhimik made the first round of the KHL playoffs this season but was eliminated in the first round by Ak Bars Kazan in four straight games.

Source: Neftekhimik