In a move that sent ripples through the NHL just days before the trade deadline, the Chicago Blackhawks have parted ways with their longest-tenured player, defenseman Connor Murphy, sending him to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for a 2028 second-round draft pick. The deal, finalized on March 2, 2026, sees the Blackhawks retaining 50% of Murphy’s $4.4 million salary-cap hit, a strategic decision that not only sweetens the return but also frees up much-needed space for Chicago as they continue their rebuild.
This trade marks the end of an era for the Blackhawks and the beginning of a new chapter for Murphy, who had become a fixture on Chicago’s blue line since being acquired from the then-Arizona Coyotes in 2017. Over his nine seasons in the Windy City, Murphy logged 547 regular-season games, surpassing Blackhawks legend Dirk Graham to rank 33rd in franchise history for games played. His leadership and commitment both on and off the ice were recognized by his five consecutive nominations for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy, an honor awarded for exemplary leadership and humanitarian contributions.
Murphy’s departure is bittersweet for Chicago fans. He was not just a stalwart on the ice but also a beloved member of the community, deeply involved in local initiatives. "I’ve been here nine years, and I feel like a Blackhawk to the core," Murphy said in January. "I feel like I’ve gotten so close to the staff and the city. It’s home. It’s where my wife is from. We had our kid and got married here. I’ve always envisioned how unbelievable it would be to have success in a city like this. You want it to be forever, but you know [it won’t be] when you see the reality of other players that have been traded. I’ve prepared myself over the last years of knowing that it is a business and that, someday, that day will come."
For Murphy, the trade brings a long-awaited opportunity. Despite 805 regular-season NHL games and nine playoff appearances during the 2020 COVID bubble, he has never truly experienced the grind of a traditional Stanley Cup Playoff run. Now, as he approaches his 33rd birthday, Murphy joins an Oilers squad hungry for defensive stability and postseason success. Edmonton, holding a 29-24-8 record and occupying a wild-card spot, has been searching for reinforcements on the right side of their defense. Murphy will slot in just below Evan Bouchard and alongside Ty Emberson, providing a veteran presence and a much-needed boost to a group that has struggled defensively all season.
The Oilers’ defensive woes have been well documented. Ranking 26th in both goals allowed per game (3.33) and penalty kill percentage (76.9%), Edmonton has been desperate to shore up their blue line. Murphy’s ability to defend the rush, break up cycle plays, and block shots—he led the Blackhawks with 87 this season—should help address those deficiencies. His 6-foot-4 frame and steady play are expected to complement the likes of Darnell Nurse, Mattias Ekholm, and Jake Walman, while giving the Oilers a reliable third right-handed defenseman for their playoff push.
For Oilers general manager Stan Bowman, the move is a familiar one. Bowman, who originally acquired Murphy for Chicago in a trade that sent Niklas Hjalmarsson to Arizona, has a reputation for bringing back players he trusts. After maneuvering roster moves to create just enough cap space, Bowman pounced on the opportunity to reunite with Murphy, a player he clearly values for his experience and defensive acumen.
On the Chicago side, general manager Kyle Davidson continues to execute a patient, asset-focused rebuild. By securing a 2028 second-round pick—adding to an already impressive cache of future draft selections—Davidson ensures the Blackhawks are well positioned for long-term success. Chicago now owns multiple picks in the top rounds of the 2026, 2027, and 2028 drafts, including four first-rounders and seven second-rounders across the next three years. Davidson has been clear about his strategy: accumulate draft capital, develop young talent, and maintain flexibility to make impact trades when the team is ready to contend again.
Murphy’s exit also opens up opportunities for the next wave of Blackhawks defensemen. Rookies Artyom Levshunov, Sam Rinzel, and Louis Crevier are now primed for extended NHL action as Chicago leans into its youth movement. With Matt Grzelcyk as the lone veteran left on defense and Wyatt Kaiser set to return from injury, the Blackhawks’ blue line is set for a dramatic transformation down the stretch and into the 2026-27 season.
Murphy’s journey this season has been one of resilience and professionalism. After seeing his ice time dip to a career-low average of 16:34 per game—down from over 19 minutes in previous years—he responded with strong defensive play, four goals, and 13 points in 60 games. His ability to stay healthy, after battling groin issues in recent seasons, only boosted his trade value at the perfect time for Chicago. As a pending unrestricted free agent, Murphy now has the chance to prove himself on a playoff stage and potentially earn a new contract with a contender this summer.
The trade also reflects the shifting landscape of the NHL trade market. With more sellers than buyers and several big-name defensemen still available, Chicago’s decision to move quickly and secure a solid return before the market cooled was a shrewd one. The Blackhawks now have one remaining salary retention slot as the March 6 deadline approaches, and Davidson is expected to remain active. Forwards Jason Dickinson and Ilya Mikheyev are reportedly on the block, and captain Nick Foligno could also be moved if he chooses to chase another playoff run. All three are pending free agents, and their departures would further clear the path for Chicago’s young prospects.
For Murphy, the move to Edmonton is both a professional milestone and a personal challenge. He leaves behind a city that embraced him, a franchise he helped lead through transition, and a fan base that cherished his commitment. Yet, the allure of playoff hockey and the chance to make an impact on a contender are opportunities he’s earned through years of perseverance. As the NHL trade deadline nears, all eyes will be on Murphy’s debut with the Oilers and on Davidson’s next moves as Chicago’s rebuild accelerates.
As the Blackhawks turn the page and the Oilers bolster their blue line, the trade stands as a testament to the business of hockey—where loyalty, opportunity, and strategy collide. Whether Murphy’s playoff dreams come true in Edmonton remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: both franchises have made bold moves that could shape their futures for years to come.