As the 2026 NHL trade deadline creeps closer, the market is starting to heat up-and one name that's generating plenty of buzz is Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy. A steady, right-shot blueliner with a veteran presence, Murphy checks a lot of boxes for contenders looking to shore up their defensive depth for a playoff push. He’s not the flashiest name out there, but he brings something every postseason team values: reliability, toughness, and the ability to log meaningful minutes.
Let’s break down three teams that make a lot of sense as potential landing spots for Murphy-and why each could be a strong fit.
Boston Bruins: A Right-Side Reinforcement
The Bruins have been sniffing around the market for help on the right side of their defense, and after missing out on Rasmus Andersson, they may pivot to a more attainable, but still impactful, option. Enter Connor Murphy.
Murphy isn’t the type to light up the scoresheet, but that’s not what Boston would be asking of him. What they’d be getting is a dependable, physical defender who can play 18-20 minutes a night, kill penalties, and bring some much-needed stability to their bottom four. With the Bruins still chasing consistency on the back end, especially on the right side, Murphy could slot in as a low-risk, high-floor addition-one that complements their existing core without disrupting team chemistry.
Dallas Stars: Veteran Depth for a Deep Run
Dallas is built to win now, and adding a player like Murphy would be a classic deadline move for a team with Cup aspirations. The Stars already have a strong defensive group, but in a playoff run, you can never have too many capable veterans who know how to handle pressure situations.
Murphy’s ability to eat minutes and play a responsible, stay-at-home style would fit nicely into the Stars’ structure. He’s not going to command top-pair usage, but he doesn’t need to.
What Dallas would be banking on is his ability to provide insurance-especially if injuries hit or if younger players falter under the postseason spotlight. Depth wins in the playoffs, and Murphy brings exactly that.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Insurance Policy with Bite
The Leafs’ blue line has been a question mark all season, and with Chris Tanev sidelined due to injury, Toronto could be in the market for a steady hand to help stabilize things. Murphy fits that mold.
He’s not going to replace Tanev’s shutdown ability one-for-one, but he brings a similar mindset: play within structure, clear the crease, and make life easier for the goaltender. For a Leafs team that’s been burned in recent playoff runs by defensive lapses and lack of grit in their own zone, Murphy could be a timely addition. He’s not a sexy acquisition, but he’s the kind of player who helps win tight playoff games in May.
As the deadline approaches, Connor Murphy is quietly becoming one of the more intriguing names on the board. He’s not a headline-grabber, but he’s the kind of piece that makes a real difference when the games start to matter most. Whether it’s Boston, Dallas, Toronto, or another contender that steps up, don’t be surprised if Murphy finds himself wearing a new jersey soon-and playing meaningful minutes when the stakes are highest.