If you thought the Chicago Blackhawks were done dealing, think again. Two of the NHL’s recent heavyweights, the Florida Panthers and Vegas Golden Knights, are reportedly eyeing veteran defenseman Connor Murphy. According to Pierre LeBrun, the Panthers are actively exploring a trade, viewing Murphy as the ideal stabilizer for their blue line.
Meanwhile, Chris Johnston reports that Vegas sees Murphy as the solution to their right-side defensive hole following Alex Pietrangelo’s injury. The roadblock? Murphy’s $4.4 million cap hit. However, with Florida holding LTIR relief from Aleksander Barkov’s absence and Chicago likely willing to retain salary, the pieces are there for a blockbuster move.
Why the Florida Panthers and Vegas Golden Knights Want Murphy
From an insider perspective, this chatter makes too much sense to ignore. When you look at the Florida Panthers, they are in the business of repeating. General Manager Bill Zito isn’t afraid to swing big. LeBrun’s report highlights the financial gymnastics required, but let’s be honest: when has the cap ever stopped a contender in LTIR season? With Barkov out, they have a $3.8 million window to operate. Murphy is a defensive defenseman who eats pucks and clears the crease—exactly the brand of “snot and sandpaper” hockey Florida plays.
On the other side, we have the Vegas Golden Knights. They are arguably the most aggressive front office in sports. With Pietrangelo out, their right side is exposed. Johnston makes a great point about “acquisition cost.” Vegas is thin on assets. They can’t afford a Rasmus Andersson from Calgary, but Murphy? That’s a deal they can make. Murphy offers that steady, stay-at-home presence that allows Vegas’s forwards to cheat offensively.
Expert Insight: Doing Right by Connor Murphy
Here is my personal take: The Chicago Blackhawks need to make this happen, not just for the assets, but for the human element. Connor Murphy has been an absolute soldier for this franchise during some very lean years. He has worn the “A” with pride, faced the media after blowouts, and never complained.
It is frankly criminal that a defender of his caliber has only played nine career playoff games—and those were in the sterile Edmonton bubble of 2020. He has never felt the ice shake during a real postseason game. Sending him to Florida or Vegas isn’t just a business transaction; it’s a reward. He fits the mold of a “Cup-winning piece” perfectly. He is the guy you don’t notice until he breaks up a 2-on-1 in overtime. Whether he lands in the Swamp or on the Strip, Murphy deserves a chance to chase silver.
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The post Why Connor Murphy Deserves This Trade Escape from Chicago appeared first on NHL Trade Rumors.
