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Blackhawks veterans' response to his ice time being cut could result in a trade: "Nobody would be happy"

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Julien Trekker
November 5, 2025 (2:23 PM)

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A Chicago Blackhawks veteran shared his dissatisfaction after his ice time this season during a recent interview, and it could ultimately lead to his departure from the organization.

The Blackhawks have many talented young players in the organization. As we saw in the past years, developing them is Kyle Davidson and Jeff Blashill's priority.

While this will be good for the future of the team, and fans want to see the young players in action, there's a dark side to it all.

Indeed, a veteran on the team highlighted that with young defensemen getting more ice time, there's less left on the table for him.

Connor Murphy Opens Up On Reduced Ice-Time In New Interview

The 32-year-old veteran defenseman Connor Murphy, who's been included in a lot of trade rumors in the past years due to the high demand for right-handed defensemen across the NHL, was on the ice for only 8:30 in the 3-1 loss against the Seattle Kraken.

This season, he spent an average of 14:56 on the ice. Last season, he averaged 20:37 of ice time per game.

Here's what he said about his new role with the team in a recent interview:

"Every player wants to play more, obviously, so I don't think anyone would be happy with having less minutes. But I understand there are decisions. Part of it is I think all of our 'D' are playing really well, so it's not something I can argue against in any way.

When you're given your opportunities and shifts, [I'm] trying to make the most of them and still have an effect on the game."

Hawks head coach Jeff Blashill also provided insights on the matter:

"Connor has been a good player for us, and Connor is a leader for us. Some nights he's going to play more than others. That's the reality of where our situation is. Some nights, certain guys are playing really good hockey and they'll get more minutes - that's why we're dressing seven [defensemen]. Some nights, they're not [playing well], and Connor gets more minutes."

This season, Murphy tallied two points in 13 games, and has a -2 +/-. His four-year, $4,400,000 AAV contract will expire at the end of the current season.

Do you think he'll stay in Chicago the whole year?

In September, Murphy hinted at wanting a trade away from Chicago.

We will see if this results in an official move.

Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider

Blackhawks top prospect begins to turn heads with stellar play in the KHL

Major turn of events for Patrick Kane's injury and it's substantial for the Red Wings

Blackhawks almost NHL-ready prospect receives honor of AHL's rookie of the month

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NOVEMBRE 5 \| 148 ANSWERS Blackhawks veterans' response to his ice time being cut could result in a trade: "Nobody would be happy" Do you think the Chicago Blackhawks will trade Connor Murphy during the season?
Yes	118	79.7 %
No	30	20.3 %
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Blackhawks veterans' response to his ice time being cut could result in a trade: "Nobody would be happy"

A Chicago Blackhawks veteran shared his dissatisfaction after his ice time this season during a recent interview, and it could ultimately lead to his departure from the organization.

Connor Murphy Opens Up On Reduced Ice-Time In New Interview

Do you think the Chicago Blackhawks will trade Connor Murphy during the season?