The Chicago Blackhawks are at a fascinating crossroads. The rebuild is in full swing, and the future is bright with a wave of young, talented defensemen knocking on the door of the NHL. But with this youth movement comes a classic hockey problem: a logjam on the blue line. While the focus has been on the development of players like Alex Vlasic and Kevin Korchinski, and the excitement surrounding prospects like Artyom Levshunov and Sam Rinzel, there’s a veteran name that’s quietly emerging in trade talks: Connor Murphy.
A Necessary Move for the Future?
NHL insider Frank Seravalli recently highlighted the Blackhawks’ situation, pointing out they have nine or ten NHL-ready defensemen. While the team still needs to sign RFA Wyatt Kaiser, the sheer number of promising young blueliners creates a healthy but challenging internal competition. Sending waiver-exempt players like Levshunov or Korchinski to the AHL is an option, but at some point, you need to make room for the future to take over.
This is where a Connor Murphy trade starts to make a lot of sense. At 32, with one year left on his contract at a reasonable $4.4 million cap hit, he’s the perfect trade chip. He’s a steady, reliable, right-shot defenseman—a valuable commodity for any playoff contender looking to add depth and experience.
The Veteran Presence and the Return
For a rebuilding team like the Blackhawks, a Murphy trade isn’t about getting rid of a bad player; it’s about asset management. Murphy has been a true professional during a difficult era of Blackhawks hockey. He’s a leader and a solid defensive presence. However, his value to a contending team is arguably higher than his value to a rebuilding Chicago squad. By moving him, the Blackhawks could acquire more draft capital or a promising prospect, further fueling their long-term vision.
His 10-team no-trade clause gives him some control, but there will undoubtedly be a market for his services. It’s a move that would open up a full-time roster spot for a young defenseman to prove themselves and continue their development at the NHL level. The question isn’t if a trade will happen, but when and for what return.
Stay Updated on All Blackhawks News
For the latest Chicago Blackhawks news and trade rumors, make sure to bookmark nhltraderumor.com. Join our Fantasy Hockey Pool for a chance to win cash prizes, and never miss a game by finding out how to watch the Blackhawks on TV today. Sign up for our newsletter below to get all the latest updates delivered straight to your inbox.
The post Blackhawks’ Defensive Puzzle: Why Trading Connor Murphy Makes Perfect Sense appeared first on NHL Trade Rumors.
