As the Chicago Blackhawks continue their rebuilding process, interest in their veteran players remains high. This season, defenseman Connor Murphy has been a focal point of trade discussions. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman noted that Murphy attracted attention from several teams before an injury sidelined him.
Connor Murphy, at 31 years old, is a key player for the Blackhawks. Despite missing three months due to injury, he returned to play the final three games of the season. Over the season, he played in 46 games, scored two goals, and contributed eight points. Known for his physical play, Murphy delivered 116 hits but ended the season with a minus-19 rating.
Murphy's role as a dependable top-four defenseman who excels in penalty killing makes him valuable. His right-handed shot and solid defensive skills make him especially appealing in the NHL market. As summer approaches, it's likely that interest in Murphy will pick up again. Teams looking to strengthen their defense might see him as a prime candidate.
Teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs, Carolina Hurricanes, Buffalo Sabres, Washington Capitals, and Ottawa Senators might be particularly interested in Murphy. These teams could benefit from his experience and defensive prowess as they look to bolster their lineups for the upcoming seasons.
The Blackhawks face a decision: whether to trade Murphy in exchange for assets that could help accelerate their rebuild, or keep him to maintain stability and experience on their blue line. As the offseason unfolds, it will be interesting to see which direction the Blackhawks decide to go with Murphy.
