The Chicago Blackhawks are set to trade away 745-game NHL veteran defenseman
Photo credit: Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers
According to Frank Seravalli, the Chicago Blackhawks are set to trade away a veteran who has played an important role on their blue line for several years.
After parting ways with Seth Jones, the Blackhawks don't have many key players left to trade. With their roster now filled with talented young players, the organization is expected to make a few moves to bring experience and leadership to the roster during the offseason.
The insider Frank Seravalli published his annual trade targets board, in which he lists the players most likely to be traded before the start of the next season, such as Buffalo Sabres' J.J. Peterka, New York Rangers' Chris Kreider, and Minnesota Wild's Marco Rossi.
He notably included the Blackhawks' veteran Connor Murphy at the eighth spot.
He stated that their newfound depth on the blue line could push General Manager Kyle Davidson to trade the veteran during the offseason, especially if Matthew Schaefer falls and is still available with the third overall pick.
In Seravalli's words:
"And suddenly, the Blackhawks have too many defensemen. They might have even more if somehow Matt Schaefer falls to No. 3 in the Draft.
With Alex Vlasic, Sam Rinzel, and Artyom Levshunov holding down the back end for the foreseeable future, Murphy could well be on the move.
He is a steady and reliable veteran presence who can play physical - and he's on the perfect contract."
With Alex Vlasic, Sam Rinzel, and Artyom Levshunov holding down the back end for the foreseeable future, Murphy could well be on the move.
He is a steady and reliable veteran presence who can play physical - and he's on the perfect contract."
Murphy, 32, scored 19 points, including two goals, in 68 games this season in Chicago. He has one season left on his $4.4 million AAV deal and is likely to become a prime trade target at the next deadline if he isn't dealt in the offseason.
Any team looking to win now and willing to part ways with young talent could be on the other end of that deal. As we saw with Spencer Knight's acquisition, the organization is ready to sacrifice experience for potential.
| POLL | ||
MAI 27 | 221 ANSWERS The Chicago Blackhawks are set to trade away 745-game NHL veteran defenseman Do you think the Chicago Blackhawks should trade Connor Murphy during the offseason? | ||
| Yes | 155 | 70.1 % |
| No | 66 | 29.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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