Oilers Acquire Connor Murphy from Blackhawks in Trade Deadline Move

The Edmonton Oilers have bolstered their defensive lineup, acquiring defenseman Connor Murphy from the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday, March 2, 2026. The trade aims to address the Oilers’ defensive vulnerabilities as they push for a playoff run.

Trade Details

In exchange for Murphy, the Blackhawks will receive a 2028 second-round draft pick. Chicago will also retain 50% of Murphy’s $4.4 million cap hit, bringing his average annual value (AAV) to $2.2 million for the Oilers Edmonton Journal.

Murphy’s Profile

Murphy, 32, is a physical, right-shot defenseman known for his shot-blocking ability. He has recorded 47 goals and 126 assists in 805 career NHL games with the Blackhawks and Arizona Coyotes. This season, Murphy has four goals and nine assists in 60 games, averaging 16:34 of ice time per game TSN.

Impact on the Oilers

The Oilers currently rank 26th in the league in penalty kill percentage. Murphy’s addition is expected to provide an immediate upgrade to the Oilers’ penalty kill, as he was an anchor of the Blackhawks’ league-leading penalty kill unit The Athletic. Edmonton has allowed the fifth-most goals in the NHL this season (203), and the second-most goals at even strength (144). Murphy is expected to slot in alongside Darnell Nurse on the second pairing The Athletic.

Blackhawks’ Perspective

For the Blackhawks, the trade represents a move to acquire future assets as they continue their rebuild. The second-round pick provides valuable draft capital, and retaining half of Murphy’s salary offers some flexibility. Murphy was a pending unrestricted free agent, meaning he could have left the team without compensation at the end of the season.

Looking Ahead

The Oilers will appear to integrate Murphy into their lineup quickly as they prepare for a competitive playoff push. The Blackhawks will focus on developing their young players and building for the future with the added draft pick.