Blackhawks and Red Wings emerge as trade partners for a 780-game veteran

The latest push came Friday when Max Bultman wrote that Detroit still needs a steady depth defenseman before the March 6 deadline.

Detroit is 24-15 in the Atlantic, and Chicago is 16-18 in the Central, so their timelines finally look like they can meet.

Moritz Seider and Simon Edvinsson can take the toughest starts, but the third pair's minutes still get loud. When exits die on the wall, playoff-style forechecks turn small mistakes into goals.

We've discussed Connor Murphy's linked trade destinations, and the Red Wings weren't a part of it until this week.

Murphy, 32, is a right-shot, 6-foot-4 defender with 786 NHL games and 166 points in his career, across Chicago and Arizona.

He has six assists in 41 games this season, and the box score does not explain his value. Murphy blocks lanes, wins net-front body position, and keeps the crease boring for his goalie.

Detroit does not need Murphy to quarterback a power play; it needs him to shrink the slot. He closes early at the blue line, then moves the puck fast enough to reset the forecheck.

If Steve Yzerman likes the price, Chicago can be a clean partner because Murphy's deal ends after 2025-26. His $4.4 million cap hit also sits in the workable retention range.

From the Blackhawks side, moving an expiring veteran opens nights for younger defenders to take the hard matchups. It also keeps the rebuild honest, turning a season of minutes into future assets.

Detroit and Chicago have traded before, and both front offices know the market can spike close to March 6. The smart play is clear communication now, so a deal is not rushed later.

No rumor is real until the paperwork lands, but this one fits the hockey logic on both sides. If it happens, Detroit gets calmer depth, and Murphy gets a chance to play meaningful games again.