Trade of veteran Blackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy underway and 3 teams are named

Murphy, signed through 2026 at a 4.4 million cap hit, still logs heavy minutes and absorbs tough matchups.

Dating back to August we've discussed trade scenarios involving Blackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy, now they appear to be coming a reality.

His value rises because Chicago protects its young defensemen, and Murphy's right-shot profile remains sought after across the league.

He tallied up 15 points last season while averaging more than 19 minutes per night, and he has topped 150 blocked shots in multiple years, according to league tracking.

Any team calling on him understands the appeal of adding a dependable defender with a term.

Chicago also knows that, which is why this conversation feels more like timing than urgency.

General manager Kyle Davidson has leaned into patience, but teams pushing for playoff certainty view Murphy as a plug-and-play stabilizer.

Vegas Golden Knights scouts have watched plenty of right-side options since Tuesday, and Murphy fits their template perfectly.

He can handle bottom-pair minutes without sheltering, and his penalty kill work remains consistent year over year.

Vegas has used ten different defensemen already this season, and sharpening that rotation should be a priority.

The Detroit Red Wings keep surfacing in these conversations because their right side remains in flux.

Their push toward relevance demands trustworthy veterans, and Murphy's track record since being drafted twentieth overall in 2011 provides that. Detroit has cap flexibility next year, and adding a defender with cost certainty would help them avoid the frantic rental market.

Some fans wonder why Chicago would consider moving a respected veteran at all, but the rebuild keeps steering decisions toward asset timing rather than sentiment.

That tension explains why Murphy's name continues to circulate even without an expiring contract.

The Winnipeg Jets also map cleanly onto this discussion.

They could use a stabilizer behind their top four, and Murphy's size at six foot four gives them a different look. Winnipeg has leaned heavily on its starters, and adding a term would avoid repeating last season's scramble for depth.

The broader question is whether Chicago prefers Murphy's presence or a future return that accelerates the young core's rise. His durability and leadership still matter in a room guided by developing players like Kevin Korchinski.

Whatever direction Chicago chooses, Murphy's situation signals a key checkpoint in the rebuild's next phase.