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Report: Chicago Blackhawks actively looking to trade veteran right-handed defenseman
Photo credit: NHL.com
Per a new report from Blackhawks analyst Scott Powers, Chicago defenseman Connor Murphy, who is a pending UFA and in the last year of his contract, could be moved at some point.
Even though the Chicago Blackhawks are off to their best start since 2019-20 and could reach the postseason if they continue playing in this way, defenseman Connor Murphy might not get to experience it.
Not only did he recently appear again on TSN analyst Chris Johnston's list of traceable players, but per Blackhawks analyst Scott Powers, he's being upended by young Louis Crevier.
If the Blackhawks could find a suitor, they might be willing to move Murphy sooner rather than later. Louis Crevier has emerged as a reliable, right-handed defenseman and is being utilized in a similar shutdown fashion to Murphy. Over the last 10 games, Murphy played 106:39 in five-on-five play and had an 8.33 offensive zone starting percentage. Crevier played 129:41 at five-on-five and had a 20.59 offensive zone starting percentage. During that same stretch, Murphy played 26:48 on the penalty kill while Crevier played 22:48.
So far this year, Murphy has just three assists in 18 games played.
Connor Murphy Can Become A UFA At The End Of This Season
Murphy signed a 4-year contract with the Blackhawks with an AAV (average annual value) of $4.4 million, and he's playing in the last year of that deal.
Because of his contract status, he's been included in multiple trade rumors in recent months.
Taken with the 20th overall pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft by the Phoenix Coyotes, Murphy has played in 764 total games and has 163 points (43G, 120A).
Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 21 | 145 ANSWERS Report: Chicago Blackhawks actively looking to trade veteran right-handed defenseman Should the Blackhawks trade Connor Murphy? | ||
| Yes | 65 | 44.8 % |
| No | 80 | 55.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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