When the Edmonton Oilers snagged Connor Murphy from the Chicago Blackhawks at the trade deadline, they didn't just bolster their defense with a single player. On March 2, 2026, the Oilers strategically acquired the 32-year-old right-shot defenseman, with Chicago retaining 50% of his salary, in exchange for a 2028 second-round draft pick. But the impact of this move has been far greater than the sum of its parts.
Murphy, known for his stay-at-home style and penalty-killing prowess, was brought in to provide stability and depth. The Oilers hoped he would positively influence his defensive partner, but what they got was a transformative effect reminiscent of Evan Bouchard's elevation after Mattias Ekholm's arrival from Nashville.
Since Murphy joined the lineup, Darnell Nurse has been playing with newfound confidence. He's simplifying his game and focusing on his strengths, taking his performance to new heights with Murphy by his side.
Murphy has delivered exactly what the Oilers needed. His gritty, steady presence on the ice, combined with his shot-blocking and leadership, has brought a calming influence. Yet, his most significant contribution might be the impact he's had on Nurse.
Nurse has openly acknowledged his dissatisfaction with his earlier performances this season. Although his plus-minus rating sits at -15, there's a noticeable improvement in recent games, with a plus-two rating over the last five contests.
While he hasn't added points to the scoreboard, Nurse is prioritizing dependable, solid minutes, averaging 22:50 per game in that stretch. He's becoming less of a defensive liability, which is precisely what the Oilers need.
While Nurse's $9.25 million contract remains a hefty commitment, and trade rumors may persist, the Oilers are seeing the value in his current form. They need him to be a steady presence on the ice, and with Murphy's influence, Nurse is finding that reliability. This development is crucial, especially since previous defensive partners struggled to unlock this level of play from him.