The Columbus Blue Jackets have announced that they have sent defenceman Ryan Murray to the Cleveland Monsters of the AHL for a conditioning assignment. 

Murray was activated from the injured reserve.

The defenceman has been out with a back injury since late November.

The 24-year-old was close to returning in Janaury but had a set back. 

Murray has missed 34 games dating back to November 27 after suffering an upper-body injury against the Montreal Canadiens. 

The former second overall pick has 12 goals and 65 points in 244 career NHL games.