A quick hook for Murphy

October 19, 2009   ·   Hasan   ·   Jump to comments

With five days between games, the Devils suddenly made news today when they put defenseman Cory Murphy on waivers after just three games with the team.  If Murphy clears waivers in the next 24 hours, he’ll presumably be assigned to Lowell and since he’s on a two-way deal he doesn’t need to pass through re-entry waivers to be called back up.

On many levels it’s not terribly surprising – primarily because Murphy did not live up to the label of being an offensive defenseman in his three games.  He had just three shots on net, no points and a -2 without helping the power play one iota which was supposed to be his specialty, especially after his ten power play points (and 15 total points) in 25 games for Tampa Bay last year.  With us he looked tentative, especially when Evander Kane burned him for a big third-period goal Friday, which unfortunately now is probably going to be the lasting memory of Murphy for Devils fans. 

Also, Andy Greene in his four games has shown more than he has since his debut during the ‘07 playoffs both offensively and defensively and looks to be in the lineup for the forseeable future, especially given the team’s 4-0 record with him.  Not to mention the fact that Mark Fraser’s been stashed on IR since the preseason because the Devils don’t want to risk losing him to waivers without at least giving him an opportunity.