A message for Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy (5) is written on the glass as he skates with the puck. Murphy is a top trade target for teams like the Dallas Stars and Boston Bruins ahead of the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline.
As the NHL pauses for the 2026 Winter Olympic break, General Managers across the league are working the phones, and the Chicago Blackhawks find themselves at the center of the trade market storm. While the team focuses on the future around Connor Bedard, veteran assets are drawing significant interest from Stanley Cup contenders. The loudest rumors currently surround stalwart defenseman Connor Murphy, who has emerged as a primary target for both the Dallas Stars and the Boston Bruins.
With the March 6, 2026, Trade Deadline fast approaching, Murphy’s departure from Chicago seems less like a possibility and more like an inevitability. The 32-year-old right-shot defenseman (RHD) is in the final year of his contract, carrying a manageable $4.4 million cap hit. For teams looking to fortify their blue line for a grueling playoff run, Murphy offers the perfect blend of size (6’4″, 212 lbs), experience, and defensive responsibility.
Why the Dallas Stars Are the Frontrunners
The Dallas Stars have been heavily linked to Murphy as they look to solve a specific roster construction issue. While Dallas boasts an elite defensive core led by Miro Heiskanen, they have been searching for a reliable, “stay-at-home” partner to stabilize their second pairing.
GM Jim Nill loves veteran presence on the back end, and Murphy fits the “Stars mold” perfectly. He is an elite penalty killer and shot blocker who can eat tough minutes, allowing offensive defensemen like Thomas Harley to take more risks. With the Central Division race tighter than ever, acquiring Murphy would give Dallas the depth necessary to match up against heavy-hitting Western Conference opponents.
Boston Bruins: Desperation on the Right Side
On the other side of the bracket, the Boston Bruins are feeling the pressure. After reportedly missing out on Calgary’s Rasmus Andersson last month, Boston’s need for a right-shot defenseman has become critical. Injuries and inconsistency have plagued their bottom-four defensemen throughout the 2025-26 campaign.
The Bruins play a physical, grinding style of hockey that suits Murphy’s game seamlessly. Boston is looking for a rental who can step in immediately without requiring a long-term contract extension, and Murphy fits that bill. Scouts indicate that Boston sees Murphy as a stabilizing force who can help lock down leads in the third period—something the Bruins have struggled with recently.
The Cost of Doing Business
What will it cost to pry Murphy out of Chicago? Insider reports suggest the Blackhawks are seeking a second-round draft pick or a third-round pick plus a B-level prospect. Given that Murphy has a 10-team no-trade list, he has some control over his destination, but a move to a legitimate contender like Dallas or Boston is unlikely to be blocked.
As the deadline draws near, expect a bidding war to potentially drive the price up. For Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson, moving Murphy is a key piece of asset management that will add more ammunition to Chicago’s ongoing rebuild.
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