The Edmonton Oilers have added veteran defenseman Connor Murphy in a trade with the Chicago Blackhawks, announced Monday. Edmonton sent a second-round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft to Chicago in exchange for the 32-year-classic blueliner. The Blackhawks will retain 50 percent of Murphy’s salary cap hit.

Trade Details and Cap Implications

Chicago will retain 50 percent of Murphy’s $4.4 million cap hit, bringing his cost to the Oilers down to $2.2 million. This move was facilitated by placing Mattias Janmark on long-term injured reserve and the expected reassignment of Isaac Howard, creating the necessary cap space.

PuckPedia – “With 21 active players and Janmark on LTIR, the Oilers will have approximately $200K in cap space remaining after this deal.”

Janmark is out with a chronic injury that needs some rest, according to Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch, and will be out long term.

Murphy’s Background and Impact

Originally drafted by the Arizona Coyotes in 2011, Murphy joined the Blackhawks in 2017 as part of a trade involving Niklas Hjalmarsson. In 60 games with Chicago during the 2025-26 season, he recorded 13 points (4 goals, 9 assists) and led the team with 87 blocked shots.

Throughout his 805-game NHL career, Murphy has registered 173 points (47 goals, 126 assists) with both Arizona and Chicago. He served as an alternate captain for the Blackhawks for six seasons.

What Murphy Brings to Edmonton

The Oilers, known for their offensive firepower, have struggled defensively this season. Murphy is expected to provide a steady, defensive presence on the blue line. He is described as a defensive-defenseman who can play over 20 minutes against strong offenses.

The acquisition reunites Murphy with Oilers general manager Stan Bowman, who initially acquired him during his tenure with the Blackhawks.

Murphy could potentially pair with Darnell Nurse, who has rotated through six different defensive partners this season, bringing veteran certainty to that pairing.

Looking Ahead

The Oilers may not be finished making moves before the trade deadline on March 6. They are reportedly still searching for a third-line center to complement their star forwards, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.