The Chicago Blackhawks have traded impending free agent defenseman Connor Murphy to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for Edmonton’s second-round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft, marking the end of Murphy’s nine-year tenure with the organization. Chicago will retain half of Murphy’s $4.4 million cap hit as part of the deal. According to Frank Seravalli, the trade call is expected to be completed later.
Murphy, 32, was the longest-tenured player on the Blackhawks’ roster. Acquired in 2017 from the then-Arizona Coyotes alongside Laurent Dauphin in exchange for Niklas Hjalmarsson, Murphy went on to appear in 547 regular-season games for Chicago, recording 124 points while routinely handling difficult defensive assignments. This season, he has posted four goals and nine assists in 60 games.
Beyond his on-ice contributions, Murphy was recognized for his leadership and community involvement. He served as the Blackhawks’ nominee for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy in each of the last five seasons, an award honoring leadership qualities and humanitarian impact.
Chicago Continues to Stockpile Draft Capital
From Chicago’s perspective, the return fits within a broader accumulation of draft capital. The Blackhawks are positioned with significant assets in upcoming drafts, including five selections — two first-round picks and three second-round picks — within the first two rounds of the 2026 NHL Draft. They also hold two second-round picks in 2027 and previously added a fourth-round pick in 2028 in the trade that sent goaltender Laurent Brossoit to the San Jose Sharks. The addition of another 2028 second-round selection further strengthens the organization’s long-term flexibility.
The move also opens opportunity on the blue line. With Murphy departing, Chicago now lists three right-handed defensemen on its NHL roster: Artyom Levshunov, Sam Rinzel and Louis Crevier. The trade creates additional ice time and evaluation space for younger players as the season progresses.
Oilers Add Familiar Defensive Depth
For Edmonton, the acquisition reflects immediate competitive priorities. Oilers general manager Stan Bowman originally acquired Murphy during his tenure in Chicago, and the familiarity is notable. Bowman maneuvered roster adjustments in recent days to create sufficient cap space to complete the transaction — a calculated move consistent with his history of targeting players he knows well.
Murphy provides Edmonton with a right-shot defenseman known for physical play, defensive structure and penalty-killing reliability. While not an offensive driver, he adds depth and matchup flexibility to a blue line supporting a roster built to contend in the present. With salary retention included, the Oilers secure experienced defensive help at a manageable cap figure ahead of the postseason push.
As the trade deadline approaches, the deal signals clarity for both franchises: Chicago continues to build for the future, while Edmonton reinforces its roster for the immediate challenge ahead.
