The Boston Bruins weren’t supposed to be here-not this soon, anyway. Coming into the season, the expectation was a transitional year, a focus on development, and maybe a few glimpses of the future.
But as we approach the stretch run, Boston finds itself right in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race, tied with the Canadiens for the Wild Card spots and holding a four-point cushion over the Florida Panthers. This team has clearly shifted gears from rebuilding to reloading.
That shift brings a new set of priorities. If the Bruins want to punch their ticket back to the postseason for the first time since 2023-24, they’ll need reinforcements-specifically on the blue line. The right side of the defense is thin, and that’s where Chicago’s Connor Murphy enters the conversation as a potential trade target who checks a lot of boxes for Boston.
Why Connor Murphy Fits the Bruins’ Needs
Murphy isn’t flashy, and he’s not going to light up the scoreboard. But what he does bring is exactly what the Bruins need: reliable, stay-at-home defense.
He’s been a steady presence in Chicago, logging nearly 45% of his ice time in the defensive zone this season. That’s not just a stat-it’s a reflection of trust.
Coaches lean on him to handle the tough minutes, and he delivers.
Look at his impact in terms of goals allowed: Murphy’s pairings have surrendered just 2.32 goals per 60 minutes, per Moneypuck. That’s the kind of number you want when you’re nursing a one-goal lead late in the third. He’s also limited opponents to 278 scoring chances and just 118 high-danger looks, which speaks to his positioning and ability to keep the play to the outside.
Offensively, Murphy is exactly what you'd expect from a defense-first blueliner. He’s got two goals and seven assists through 52 games, putting him on pace for a modest 13 points-right in line with his career averages. His advanced metrics, like a 46.17 CF%, 45.49 SCF%, and 46.33 xG%, aren’t eye-popping, but they’re consistent with his role: a shutdown defender tasked with tough assignments, often starting in his own zone.
The Price Is Right
What makes Murphy even more appealing is the price tag. With the Bruins trying to walk the line between competing now and building for the future, they can’t afford to go all-in on a rental that costs a first-round pick or a top prospect. Murphy, on the other hand, could be had for a mid-round pick, especially with Chicago flush with young defensemen and Murphy in the final year of his deal.
That’s a manageable cost for a team like Boston, which is trying to stay competitive without mortgaging its long-term outlook. Bringing in Murphy wouldn’t derail the youth movement-they’d be adding a stabilizer, not a centerpiece.
Where He Fits in Boston
Assuming the Bruins make the move, Murphy would likely slide into the second pairing, especially with Nikita Zadorov dealing with injuries. That gives Boston a chance to ease Zadorov back into the lineup without rushing him, and once he’s healthy, the coaching staff can get creative with their deployment. Murphy could stay in the middle pair or drop to the third, depending on matchups.
He’d also be a natural fit on the penalty kill and in late-game defensive situations. That’s where his experience and calm under pressure really shine. He might not be a top-pair guy, but he’s the type of player who makes your team better in subtle but meaningful ways.
A Smart, Sensible Move
There are bigger names on the trade market, but Murphy might be one of the smartest additions the Bruins could make. He brings exactly what they need-defensive stability, playoff experience, and a manageable cap hit-without forcing them to overpay. In a season that’s already exceeded expectations, making a move like this would show the front office is serious about giving this group a shot while still keeping an eye on the road ahead.
If Boston wants to keep this unexpected playoff push alive, a low-cost, high-reliability addition like Connor Murphy could be just the move to make it happen.