Trending Now - Blackhawks Send Veteran Defenseman Connor Murphy to Oilers

WHO:

Connor Murphy, 32-year-old defenseman

Edmonton Oilers, NHL team

Chicago Blackhawks, NHL team

Stan Bowman, Oilers general manager

Kyle Davidson, Blackhawks general manager

Jeff Blashill, Blackhawks coach

WHAT:

The Oilers traded for Connor Murphy from the Blackhawks.

The trade involved a 2028 second-round pick.

The Blackhawks retained 50% of Murphy's salary.

Murphy has four goals and 13 points in 60 games this season.

Murphy is in the final season of a four-year contract worth $4.4 million annually.

The Oilers rank 26th in the NHL for penalty kill success rate at 76.9%.

Murphy has logged 117:16 in short-handed ice time this season.

The Blackhawks have the No. 1 penalty kill in the NHL.

WHERE:

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (Oilers)

Chicago, Illinois, USA (Blackhawks)

WHEN:

The trade was announced on Monday, February 28, 2026.

The NHL trade deadline is on March 3, 2026.

Murphy's contract is set to expire at the end of the 2025-2026 season.

WHY:

The Oilers aimed to improve their defensive structure amid a tight playoff race.

The Blackhawks are in a rebuilding phase and are giving younger players more playing time.

HOW:

The Oilers acquired Murphy to bolster their defense and improve their penalty kill.

The Blackhawks are retaining part of Murphy's salary to facilitate the trade.

QUOTES:

Jeff Blashill on Murphy: “He’s been great... He’s a huge reason why our kill has been really successful.”

Connor Murphy: “I’ve been here nine years, and I feel like a Blackhawk to the core... I’ve always envisioned how unbelievable it would be to have success in a city like this.”

On Monday, February 28, the Edmonton Oilers announced they traded for defenseman Connor Murphy from the Chicago Blackhawks, sending a 2028 second-round pick in return while the Blackhawks retained 50% of his salary. Murphy, who has four goals and 13 points in 60 games this season, is in the final year of a four-year contract worth $4.4 million annually, and he’s expected to help the Oilers improve their struggling penalty kill as they push for a playoff spot. Blackhawks coach Jeff Blashill praised Murphy's contributions to their top-ranked penalty kill, while Murphy expressed his deep connection to Chicago, saying he feels like a Blackhawk to the core.