Connor Murphy arrives in Edmonton, and Oilers fans can sense that the team is really focused on making the playoffs as the trade deadline approaches.
This type of transaction can quickly change the mood of your defense. A veteran player who prefers defensive play and shoots right is just what this team has needed.
Murphy comes with 13 points this season, recording 4 goals and 9 assists in 60 games. He is also the top blocker on his old team, with 87 blocks, and spends a lot of time on the penalty kill, playing nearly 3 minutes shorthanded each game.
The trade deal was straightforward, involving a second-round pick in 2028. Chicago also agreed to cover half of the $4.4 million salary cap hit, which shows that Edmonton was serious about making this trade work.
Now, here’s an interesting point: Montreal seemed interested, too. According to Pierre LeBrun, the Canadiens checked in on Murphy earlier this week, making it clear that if you hesitate, you miss out.
From the Oilers’ perspective, this is a small win in a larger strategy. Edmonton didn’t just bring in a new defenseman; they secured a particular type of player before another team could.
The timing is important because the NHL trade deadline is on Friday, March 6, at 3 p.m. ET. Any right-shot defenseman with experience in the playoffs tends to get more expensive as the deadline approaches.
Connor Murphy provides the Edmonton Oilers with more stability on defense.
Oilers fans have seen this team try to score their way out of problems for months, so the feeling is one of relief—finally, let’s get everything fixed before April.
Murphy’s strengths are straightforward: he cuts off space, takes on tough minutes, and allows other players to play more smoothly. He can handle the difficult shifts so that the players who move the puck can have some relief.
This is especially valuable in long playoff series when referees call fewer penalties and the game gets rougher. In those situations, having a calm defenseman who shoots right can really pay off.
Pierre LeBrun: I think the Canadiens inquired on Connor Murphy earlier this week before he got traded to Edmonton; it tells you that a right shot D is also part of the conversation – Melnick in the Afternoon (3/4)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) March 5, 2026
There’s also a good contract involved. Murphy’s agreement ends after this season, which means he’ll be a free agent. This lets Edmonton add him to their team without worrying about a long-term commitment.
This move is also a nice perk for Oilers fans. If Montreal was looking at the same players, Edmonton grabbing the last one available gives them a helpful advantage that strong teams need.
Now it’s time for the players to step up. If Murphy fits in well right away, the Oilers can manage their matchups better and take advantage of their power plays without being concerned about the next time they play defense.
Friday will be an important day, but the real challenge will begin the moment Murphy steps onto the ice and the playoffs become serious.
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