The writing is on the wall, and for fans of the Chicago Blackhawks, it’s a bittersweet reality. After nine seasons of blocking shots, defending teammates, and weathering the storm of a massive rebuild, Connor Murphy’s tenure in the Windy City appears to be reaching its conclusion.
According to a recent report by Mark Lazerus of The Athletic, the 32-year-old defenseman—who is a pending Unrestricted Free Agent (UFA) this July—is a prime candidate to be moved by the March NHL trade deadline. Murphy is currently finishing a four-year deal carrying a $4.4 million AAV. While he possesses a 10-team no-trade list and has deep ties to the city, the cold calculus of asset management suggests General Manager Kyle Davidson has a move to make.
Why a Trade to Florida Makes Sense
If you are looking for immediate gratification on where he goes, cross the Vegas Golden Knights off your list. While rumors initially linked Murphy to Sin City, their recent blockbuster acquisition of Rasmus Andersson effectively closes that door. However, Pierre LeBrun reports that the Florida Panthers have expressed genuine interest.
From an analyst perspective, this fit is seamless. The Panthers play a heavy, physical brand of hockey that aligns perfectly with Murphy’s “defense-first” mentality. Florida needs depth on the back end for a deep playoff run, and Murphy provides exactly the kind of reliable, stay-at-home presence that championship teams covet for their third pairing.
The Expert Take: What is Murphy Actually Worth?
Here is my personal insight on the situation: Do not expect a haul.
I love what Connor Murphy brings to the locker room. He is a consummate professional who has faced the media during the team’s darkest days with grace. However, in today’s NHL economy, a 32-year-old defensive defenseman with a $4.4 million cap hit (even with retention) isn’t going to fetch a first or second-round pick.
The Blackhawks are likely looking at a mid-round pick (4th or 5th) or a B-level prospect. This raises a difficult question for management: Is a 4th-round lottery ticket worth ripping out a piece of the team’s cultural fabric?
Murphy and his family live in Chicago year-round; he loves the city. There is a human element here that often gets lost in trade simulator discussions. While the Blackhawks could re-sign him, the youth movement on the blue line—led by Artyom Levshunov and Sam Rinzel—might simply squeeze him out. If Davidson moves him, it’s strictly business, but it will leave a leadership void that is harder to replace than the stats suggest.
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The post Is Goodbye Near? The Hard Truth About Connor Murphy and the Chicago Blackhawks appeared first on NHL Trade Rumors.
