Edmonton Oilers swing trade with Chicago Blackhawks for defenceman Connor Murphy
The Edmonton Oilers have made their first move of trade deadline week.
Shortly after Stan Bowman spoke with the Edmonton media on Monday, the Oilers GM pulled the trigger on a trade with the Chicago Blackhawks to acquire veteran defenceman Connor Murphy.Â
In return, the Oilers gave up a 2028 second-round draft pick, with Chicago retaining 50 per cent of Murphy’s $4.4 million cap hit.Â
TRADE 🔄 The #Oilers have acquired defenceman Connor Murphy from the Blackhawks in exchange for a second-round selection in the 2028 NHL Draft. Chicago will retain 50% of Murphy's $4.4 million salary. pic.twitter.com/7fK3nkqFwx
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) March 2, 2026
The Oilers were reportedly interested in adding a right-shot defenceman in the lead-up to the trade deadline. Trading for Murphy satisfies that need as he’s a veteran defender who has the ability to play in the top four.
The 32-year-old has been with the Blackhawks since the 2017-18 season, meaning that Bowman would have plenty of familiarity with the player stemming back to his time with Chicago’s front office.
The Ohio native has never been known for his offensive output, having just four goals and 13 points in 60 games this season. Murphy is more of a stay-at-home type who can play a physical brand of hockey and is not afraid to drop the gloves.
Listed at 6-foot-4 and 212 pounds, Murphy certainly has the frame to be an intimidating presence on the ice. He also played a big role on the top penalty-kill unit in Chicago.
He is set to become a UFA after the season, which means that this will be, for now, a rental trade for the Oilers. The retention will give him just a $2.2 million cap hit for Edmonton.Â