With the NHL trade deadline still over a month away, the Edmonton Oilers have already shown they’re not content to sit back and wait. They made some early-season moves in December, but as the playoff picture starts to take shape, it’s time to think bigger. One name that should be high on their radar: Connor Murphy, the veteran right-shot defenseman currently with the Chicago Blackhawks.
Murphy might not be a household name across the league, but for teams looking to shore up their blue line ahead of a playoff push, he checks a lot of boxes. He’s physical, dependable, and plays the kind of steady, stay-at-home game that becomes even more valuable when the ice tightens in the postseason.
Why Murphy Makes Sense for Edmonton
Let’s start with the basics. Murphy’s not an offensive juggernaut-he has just nine points through 52 games this season-but that’s not what you’re bringing him in for.
His value lies in the details: positioning, shot-blocking, and mistake-free hockey. He’s committed just 43 giveaways this season, a solid number for someone logging consistent minutes on a struggling Blackhawks squad.
And make no mistake, Chicago hasn’t exactly been the ideal environment for a defenseman to thrive this year. They’ve battled injuries and inconsistency all season long.
Yet Murphy has remained one of their most reliable presences on the back end. He’s a top-tier shot blocker, routinely finishing seasons with over 100 blocks, and he’s not shy about throwing his weight around either-he’s one of the Blackhawks’ most physical players.
Playoff experience? Not a ton, but it’s worth noting that when he did get a taste of the postseason back in 2020, he stepped up.
Four points in nine games while logging significant minutes shows he can rise to the occasion. And now, with a few more years under his belt, there’s reason to believe he’s even more prepared for the demands of playoff hockey.
Murphy’s also a regular on Chicago’s penalty kill, another area where the Oilers could use a boost. Slotting him into a third-pairing role in Edmonton, with opportunities to kill penalties and play a shutdown role, could be a seamless fit. He wouldn’t be asked to do too much, but he’d be in a position to make a meaningful impact.
The Cap Situation Works-If the Price Is Right
Now, let’s talk logistics. Murphy is in the final year of his contract, carrying a $4.4 million cap hit.
That’s not pocket change, but it’s manageable-especially if the Oilers send the right pieces back in return. Chicago has the cap flexibility to retain salary if needed, and with Murphy heading toward free agency, they may be open to moving him as a rental.
Of course, he’s been a core part of the Blackhawks’ blue line for years, so prying him loose won’t come cheap. That’s the nature of deadline deals. If Edmonton believes Murphy is the right fit, they’ll have to be willing to part with draft capital or depth assets to make it happen.
That said, this isn’t about mortgaging the future for a long shot. It’s about adding the kind of piece that can help solidify a playoff-bound roster and potentially push it over the top. Depth on defense wins championships, and Murphy brings the kind of edge and reliability that’s tailor-made for postseason hockey.
Timing Matters This Season
Here’s another wrinkle: the 2025-26 NHL season is anything but typical. With the Olympic break set to pause the action in February, the trade deadline is going to sneak up on teams faster than usual once play resumes. That makes timing all the more critical.
For the Oilers, getting a deal done before the break could pay dividends. It would give a new addition like Murphy time to settle into Edmonton, get familiar with the system, and build chemistry with his new teammates-all without the pressure of jumping right into game action. With Murphy not expected to participate in the Olympics, he’d have that window to acclimate, something that could be invaluable come crunch time.
Bottom Line
The Oilers have shown they’re willing to make moves, and now’s the time to double down. Connor Murphy might not be the flashiest name on the trade market, but he brings exactly what playoff teams crave: physicality, defensive awareness, and a no-nonsense style that holds up under postseason pressure.
If Edmonton wants to make a serious run this spring, adding a player like Murphy-sooner rather than later-could be a smart, strategic step toward building a roster that’s not just playoff-bound, but playoff-ready.