The Edmonton Oilers secured a key defensive acquisition on March 2, 2026, by trading for veteran right-shot defenseman Connor Murphy from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for a 2028 second-round draft pick. This move comes just days before the NHL trade deadline as Edmonton seeks to bolster its defense in preparation for the playoffs. Chicago agreed to retain 50% of Murphy’s $4.4 million salary cap hit, reducing the Oilers’ financial burden to $2.2 million for the remainder of the season.
Oilers Poised for Additional Moves Before Deadline
Sports analyst David Pagnotta praised Edmonton’s recent trade, highlighting the strategic salary retention that made the deal feasible. The Oilers’ ability to absorb Murphy’s cap hit was aided by placing forward Mattias Janmark on long-term injured reserve and demoting Adam Mangiapane to the American Hockey League (AHL). Despite this significant defensive upgrade, the Oilers remain active in the trade market, aiming to acquire a reliable third-line center to support their elite top two lines.
“Solid move by the Oilers to get Connor Murphy out of Chicago at 50% retained salary. He comes in at $2.2M, which was made possible for the Oilers with Janmark on LTIR and Mangiapane sent down. We’ll see if they can add a 3C over the next few days.”
— David Pagnotta, Hockey Insider
Murphy’s Defensive Skill Set and Career Highlights
At 32 years old, Murphy brings extensive experience and a physical presence to Edmonton’s blue line. Having played 805 career NHL games with 47 goals and 126 assists, he is known not for offensive flash but for steady defensive reliability. This season, Murphy has recorded four goals and 13 points over 60 games while averaging more than 16 minutes on ice each night.
Murphy’s strengths include his contribution to the penalty kill, an area where Chicago has excelled, ranking first in the NHL this season. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 212 pounds, he has blocked 87 shots and delivered 62 hits this year, emphasizing his role as a physical, stay-at-home defender who can limit opposing teams’ scoring chances.
Building on Familiarity: GM Stan Bowman’s Role
Oilers general manager Stan Bowman has a history with Murphy, having originally acquired him for the Blackhawks in 2017 by trading Niklas Hjalmarsson to Arizona. This connection is expected to aid in Murphy’s swift adjustment to Edmonton’s system and locker room dynamics, offering continuity as the Oilers gear up for their playoff run.
“The Oilers are acquiring Connor Murphy from the Blackhawks in exchange for a second-round pick, per @SportsnetSpec. Chicago will retain 50% of Murphy’s $4.4M cap hit.”
— Sportsnet Official Announcement
Murphy’s Playoff Prospects and Team Impact
Connor Murphy’s playoff experience is limited to the 2020 NHL bubble tournament during the COVID-19 pandemic, making this trade a pivotal opportunity for him to compete in a full postseason. As a pending unrestricted free agent, joining Edmonton provides Murphy with the best chance to play deep into the playoffs in his career.
The Oilers, despite their offensive firepower led by superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, have struggled defensively throughout the season. Incorporating Murphy’s reliable defensive presence addresses a critical gap. This low-risk addition offers immediate reinforcement while Edmonton continues seeking complementary pieces ahead of the March 6 deadline.
By making room on the salary cap through strategic roster moves and this trade, the Oilers signal their commitment to improving defensively while aiming to maintain their competitive edge in the Stanley Cup chase.
Hearing Connor Murphy moves to Edmonton for a second round pick, with half of his $4.4 M cap hit being retained by the Blackhawks.
— Mark Spector🇨🇦🇺🇦 (@SportsnetSpec) March 2, 2026
Solid move by the Oilers to get Connor Murphy out of Chicago at 50% retained salary. He comes in at $2.2M, which was made possible for the Oilers with Janmark on LTIR and Mangiapane sent down. We’ll see if they can add a 3C over the next few days.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) March 2, 2026
The Oilers are acquiring Connor Murphy from the Blackhawks in exchange for a second-round pick, per @SportsnetSpec 🔄
Chicago will retain 50% of Murphy’s $4.4M cap hit.#NHLTradeDeadline | @bet365ca pic.twitter.com/JOTSnYEVCj
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) March 2, 2026
