FAREWELL TO A LEGEND — REST IN PEACE, TROY MURRAY
The Chicago Blackhawks and the entire hockey world lost one of their own on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Troy Murray — beloved player, broadcaster, and forever a Blackhawk — passed away at the age of 63 after a courageous battle with cancer first diagnosed in 2021.
Known affectionately as “Muzz” throughout the organization, Murray spent over four decades with the Blackhawks — first as one of the best two-way centers of his generation, then as the beloved voice on WGN Radio alongside John Wiedeman for decades of broadcasts.
As a player, Murray was drafted 57th overall by Chicago in the 1980 NHL Draft. He went on to play 688 games in a Blackhawks sweater, recording 488 points. His greatest individual season came in 1985-86 when he posted career bests of 45 goals, 54 assists, and 99 points — an incredible season that earned him the Selke Trophy as the NHL’s best defensive forward. He finished his NHL career with 230 goals and 584 points across 915 games with Chicago, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Pittsburgh, and Colorado.
But statistics never told the full story of Troy Murray. His teammates, colleagues and fans remembered him as a man of extraordinary warmth, humility, and kindness.
Patrick Kane wrote on social media: “Heartbreaking to hear the news today on the passing of Muzz. Always had so much respect for Troy as a former Blackhawk and even better person. RIP, my friend.”
Defenseman Alex Vlasic, one of the few current Hawks who overlapped with Murray, said he was “absolutely devastated” by the news. He recalled meeting Murray at an alumni golf outing: “He came right up to me and introduced himself. He was just so good at making people feel comfortable and welcome.”
Chairman Danny Wirtz spoke for the entire organization: “Troy was the epitome of a Blackhawk, so far beyond his incredible playing career with a presence felt in every corner of our organization over the last 45 years.”
Troy Murray was 63 years old — the same age as this writer. His passing is a reminder of how precious life is and how much one person can mean to a community simply by showing up every day with integrity, passion, and kindness.
Rest in peace Muzz. Forever a Blackhawk. ❤️
BLACKHAWKS TRADE DEADLINE — FULL REBUILD MODE
The Chicago Blackhawks entered the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline as clear sellers, and General Manager Kyle Davidson delivered several moves to accelerate the rebuild around Connor Bedard and their deep prospect pool.
TRADE 1 — Connor Murphy to Edmonton Oilers
Chicago traded their longest-tenured player Connor Murphy to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for a 2028 second-round pick. Murphy spent nine seasons with the Blackhawks and was a steady veteran presence on the blue line. Sending him to a Stanley Cup contender was the right move for both sides.
TRADE 2 — Jason Dickinson and Colton Dach to Edmonton Oilers
In a second deal with Edmonton, the Blackhawks traded forwards Jason Dickinson and Colton Dach in exchange for Andrew Mangiapane and a conditional 2027 first-round pick.
TRADE 3 — Nick Foligno to Minnesota Wild
Captain Nick Foligno was traded to the Minnesota Wild. The beautiful story here — Nick now gets to play alongside his brother Marcus Foligno for the first time in their NHL careers. For Chicago, it frees up roster space for younger players to step into bigger roles during the rebuild.
TRADE 4 — Aidan Thompson to New York Rangers for Derrick Pouliot
In their final move before the deadline — announced just 30 minutes before the 3 PM cutoff — Chicago traded forward prospect Aidan Thompson to the Rangers for veteran defenseman Derrick Pouliot. Thompson, 24, was a third-round pick in 2022 with limited NHL upside given the Blackhawks’ loaded prospect pool. Pouliot, 32, brings AHL depth and veteran mentorship to Rockford, where he will likely spend most of his time.
Overall assessment — Chicago did exactly what a rebuilding team should do at the deadline. They moved veterans for picks and assets, gave players like Foligno a chance to win, and kept the focus on building around Bedard and their exceptional prospect group.
CALL UPS — FRESH FACES IN CHICAGO
With the deadline moves changing the roster, the Blackhawks made two notable call ups from the Rockford IceHogs:
DREW COMMESSO — GOALTENDER
Commesso, 23, was recalled on an emergency basis after Spencer Knight fell ill. He backs up Arvid Soderblom tonight against Dallas.
NICK LARDIS — FORWARD
Lardis, 20, was also recalled from Rockford. He has recorded 7 points in 21 NHL games this season and brings speed and energy to the lineup.
LOOKING AHEAD
The Blackhawks remain in full rebuild mode — 30th in the league with 56 points — but the future is genuinely exciting. Connor Bedard continues to establish himself as a franchise cornerstone. The prospect pool with players like Roman Kantserov and Anton Frondell arriving soon gives Chicago fans real reason for optimism.
But tonight — before thinking about prospects and draft picks — the Blackhawks honour the memory of Troy Murray. A legend. A broadcaster. A Blackhawk forever.
We miss you Muzz. ❤️🖤
With Bedard developing into one of the best forwards in the league, we are 2 short from a playoff team and 3 short from a SC team.
You see the effect around the league, Barkov and Tkachuk missing games due to injury, Marner going to Vegas, Kopi and Doughty getting older…. flip side the Ducks, Sharks, Celebrini is special, Habs and so on.
As I’ve said before, when they find those 2 to 3 forwards, with the defenseman developing, the crazy depth they are stacking, and doing the OKC Thunder path accumulating future 1st and 2nd round picks, too bad Troy won’t be around for this monster, at least he got to be a part of the 3 Stanley Cups. He’ll be missed i enjoyed listening to him on the radio.