Buffalo Sabres GM Jarmo Kekalainen is eyeing a defensive upgrade as the 2026 NHL trade deadline looms, and Chicago Blackhawks' Connor Murphy might be the perfect fit. Murphy's name has come up as a potential target, with experts suggesting he could be acquired for a second-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft.
While not a headline-grabbing move, adding Murphy could be exactly what Buffalo needs to bolster their defense. The Sabres are already on the right track, and a strategic addition could help solidify their lineup.
Murphy has been a steady presence in Chicago since 2017, after starting his career with the Coyotes. This season, he's contributed 12 points, with solid defensive stats like 84 blocked shots and 55 hits over 57 games.
Buffalo's already traded their 2026 second-round pick in the Josh Norris-Dylan Cozens deal, making a 2027 pick the likely trade currency. The Sabres' earlier pursuit of superstar Quinn Hughes ended with him heading to the Minnesota Wild, so their current targets are more budget-friendly.
Murphy is in the final year of his contract, which means no long-term financial commitment for Buffalo. They'd only need to cover his prorated $4.4 million cap hit for this season, making him an attractive option.
Standing at 6-foot-4 and 212 pounds, Murphy brings a physical presence and playoff experience from his time with the Blackhawks. He'd be a valuable addition, especially with injuries to Jacob Bryson and Zach Metsa, and the ongoing recovery of Conor Timmins.
With Michael Kesselring back from injury, the Sabres could use Murphy's stability to ease the burden on their top-four defensemen-Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power, Bowen Byram, and Mattias Samuelsson. This group showed signs of fatigue before the Olympic break, losing three of their last four games.
Murphy could slot into the third pair or even move up if needed, providing flexibility for head coach Lindy Ruff. A Power-Murphy pairing could be a game-changer.
As the deadline approaches, Kekalainen's aggressive pursuit of a seasoned defenseman like Murphy could be crucial. The Sabres have a real shot at ending their playoff drought, and they can't afford to come up short due to a lack of depth on the blue line.