The Chicago Blackhawks made waves on Monday by trading defenseman Connor Murphy to the Edmonton Oilers. In return, they received a second-round pick in 2028 and retained half of Murphy’s $4.4 million cap hit.
At 32, Murphy is due to become an unrestricted free agent. He’s been known as one of the NHL’s top shot-blockers, with 433 blocks in just 194 games over the last three seasons. This season, he tallied four goals and 13 points in 60 games.
Murphy’s physical play and experience made him a sought-after player as the trade deadline approached. He’ll likely team up with Darnell Nurse on Edmonton’s blue line, helping a defense that currently ranks 26th in penalty kills. Murphy’s presence will strengthen a penalty-killing unit that excelled in Chicago.
Blackhawks coach Jeff Blashill praised Murphy, stating, “He’s been great.” He acknowledged Murphy’s growth over the season and credited him with significantly contributing to the team’s success in killing penalties. His leadership qualities were evident on and off the ice.
General Manager Stan Bowman has a history of bringing back players he once traded. In 2017, trading Murphy to Chicago for Niklas Hjalmarsson drew criticism, but Murphy’s steady performance and leadership proved valuable for the Blackhawks over nearly a decade.
Murphy has deep ties to Chicago, both as a player and a community member. He’s even been nominated for the King Clancy Trophy for his charitable work each of the last five seasons. Despite his connection to Chicago, he sensed that a trade was approaching, especially as other players faced similar situations.
Reflecting on the nature of the sport, he said, “It’s a business. Knowing that, you try to enjoy what you can when you’re with your team.”
With Murphy gone, the Blackhawks are now giving younger players a chance to step up. They will likely see more of defensemen Artyom Levshunov, Sam Rinzel, and Louis Crevier, all still in their early 20s.
The trade also benefits the Blackhawks’ long-term strategy. With the addition of another second-round pick, they now hold multiple picks in the coming years, which could be key as they look to rebuild their roster. General Manager Kyle Davidson has shown willingness to maneuver these assets for better opportunities in the draft.
In retaining part of Murphy’s cap hit, the Blackhawks have preserved flexibility in their budget as they aim to reshape the team moving forward. Overall, this trade signifies a shift in strategy as the Blackhawks focus on cultivating young talent while positioning themselves for future success.
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Chicago Blackhawks, Edmonton Oilers, NHL
