As the NHL trade deadline approaches, the Edmonton Oilers find themselves in a familiar position: contending for a Stanley Cup and looking for that final piece to solidify their roster. After back-to-back heartbreaking Stanley Cup Final losses, Oilers General Manager Stan Bowman is under pressure to improve the team. While goaltending has been addressed with the acquisitions of Connor Ingram and Tristan Jarry, the blue line could use some reinforcement. One name that has surfaced as a potential target is Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy.
Murphy, 31, is in his eighth season with the Blackhawks and has played over 700 NHL games. Bowman, who is now the Oilers' GM, initially brought Murphy to Chicago in a trade from the Phoenix Coyotes. Murphy is known as a steady, physical, and defensively responsible player. He isn't known for his offensive prowess, but he averages over 20 minutes a night and plays a key role on Chicago's penalty kill, which ranks 10th in the NHL.
The Oilers' need for a player like Murphy is clear. While they have some skilled offensive defensemen, they lack a true shutdown presence who can consistently win battles in their own zone. Acquiring a depth defenseman might be the least important need for the Oilers, but adding a player to push down the depth chart could be beneficial.
Murphy's strengths align perfectly with what the Oilers are looking for. He is a former first-round pick who has developed into a reliable NHL defenseman. He is willing to block shots and use his size (6'4") to deliver hits. Despite playing on struggling Blackhawks teams, Murphy has consistently posted strong defensive metrics.
One potential concern is Murphy's contract. He is signed through the 2025-26 season, which could make him more expensive to acquire. However, his cap hit is only $2 million a year, making him an affordable option for a team with cap constraints.
Ultimately, the decision to pursue Murphy will depend on the asking price and whether Bowman believes he is the right fit for the Oilers' long-term plans. However, given the Oilers' need for defensive stability and Murphy's proven track record, a trade for the Blackhawks defenseman could be a significant boost to their Stanley Cup aspirations.
