NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Connor Murphy has spent nine long years working as hard as he could to push the Blackhawks toward the playoffs.
But now that it seems unlikely he will reach that mountain with the Hawks — his contract expires this summer and many young defensemen are vying to take his spot — the allure of not having to wait longer has crept into his head. A trade would allow him to fulfill his dream this spring.
Asked Wednesday what he personally wants to see happen before the trade deadline next Friday (March 6), he answered honestly.
“I don’t know,” Murphy said. “I would like to be here. I would like to also play in the playoffs. It’s kind of mixed emotion. That’s why this time is so hard, having that feeling tearing you both ways. It’s not an easy answer either way.”
Throughout 12-plus NHL seasons, Murphy has never played in a playoff game attended by fans. His only berth came in the 2020 COVID bubble in Edmonton, which hardly resembled a real postseason.
His contract, which carries a $4.4 million salary-cap hit, technically allows him only to submit a 10-team no-trade list, but the Hawks will make sure to do right by their longest-tenured player and longtime alternate captain in any trade that materializes.
And doing right by him likely means sending him to a team that’s a strong bet to make the playoffs — with decent odds of making a deep run.
“It’s an odd thing, the potential to get traded to a team that’s in that spot,” he said. “I’ve been so focused for nine years on wanting to make the playoffs here, and wanting to play our best and grow as a team…be a better leader and teammate to help push it along. It’s a funny situation. It’s just interesting how the business side can change and pull you to a different direction.”
Veteran right-handed defensemen are desirable at the deadline every year, and this year is no different. No contending team ever believes they have enough depth in that category. The Stars, Red Wings and Sabres stand out as three probable playoff teams with the strongest need.
There’s no shortage of veteran right-handed defensemen available on the market, though. Besides Murphy, the list also includes Tyler Myers (Canucks), Dougie Hamilton (Devils), Justin Faulk (Blues), Luke Schenn (Jets) and Rasmus Ristolainen (Flyers).
A second-round pick would represent a solid return for Murphy, but Hawks general manager Kyle Davidson might have to maneuver the market cleverly to achieve that.
Nonetheless, Hawks players and coaches have taken the past week to discuss and recognize Murphy’s immense impact on Chicago and on the organization, suggesting they all believe a trade is coming.
Murphy sounds like a man who expects to live elsewhere two weeks from now, too. He has told his wife, Kristina, a Chicago native, to be prepared to move.
“[Connor has] played really well,” coach Jeff Blashill said. “There was a time, earlier in the year, where he wasn’t given lots of minutes. He’s really done a good job earning ice time on a consistent basis.
“He’s a huge reason why our [penalty] kill has been really successful. He’s defended really well; he’s moved the puck well. He’s shown some scoring. He’s been physical. He’s fought. All those things are an important part of leadership.”
In the meantime, Murphy must squash his drifting thoughts and focus on the hockey at hand: his likely final road trip in a red sweater. He’s expected to be in the lineup Thursday against the Predators, and the Hawks have three more games after that before the deadline.
“[I’m] just focusing on trying to get your body and mind into game-play again,” Murphy said. “Because no matter what happens, you want to be playing your best and feeling your best.”
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