The Edmonton Oilers made their deadline splash on Monday, targeting help on the blue line. The back-to-back Stanley Cup Finalists currently sit third in the Pacific Division and clearly have their sights set on another deep playoff run.
That move? A $17.6 million right-shot defenseman, and the NHL world had plenty to say about it.
Oilers’ Bold $17,600,000 Deadline Move
The Oilers acquired veteran defenseman Connor Murphy from the Chicago Blackhawks. Murphy is in the final year of his four-year, $17.6 million contract. Edmonton sent a 2028 second-round pick to Chicago, while the Blackhawks agreed to retain half of Murphy’s $4.4 million cap hit.
The move addresses a clear concern.
Through 60 games, the Oilers rank 26th in the NHL in goals against (3.33 per game) and also sit 26th on the penalty kill at 76.9 percent. Defensive lapses have cost them critical points, including a 6-5 loss to Anaheim and a 5-4 defeat to San Jose since returning from the Olympic break. Those breakdowns have raised urgency inside the organization.
Murphy, 32, brings a steady, defense-first presence. He has four goals and nine assists this season while leading Chicago in blocked shots with 87. He’s averaging just over 16 minutes per night and is widely regarded as a reliable, physical, right-shot option who can kill penalties and handle tough defensive assignments.
There’s also familiarity involved. Oilers general manager Stan Bowman originally acquired Murphy in Chicago back in 2017, so there’s an established level of trust in what he brings to the table.
On paper, the fit is straightforward: Edmonton adds structure, penalty-kill help, and playoff-tested grit to a blue line that has been inconsistent.
Reaction around the league was swift. Oilers analyst Bob Stauffer praised the move on social media, highlighting Murphy as a “veteran, cycle-stopping, right-shot D” who led Chicago in time on ice on one of the NHL’s better penalty-kill units. He also suggested Murphy could slot alongside Jake Walman on the second pairing.
The @EdmontonOilers acquire a veteran, cycle-stopping, right shot D in Connor Murphy.
He led the Blackhawks in TOI on one of the best PK units in the NHL.
‘Hawks had multiple suitors for Murphy.Could see:
Ekholm-Bouchard
Walman-Murphy
Nurse-Emberson
Stastney https://t.co/TrCc3zf4kf— Bob Stauffer (@Bob_Stauffer) March 2, 2026
Former Oilers’ defenseman Jason Demers called it a strong piece of business for Edmonton, saying, “Well done by the Edmonton Oilers addressing a big need by getting Connor Murphy. Love this swing and that improves the backend significantly.”
Well done by the Edmonton Oilers addressing a big need by getting Connor Murphy. Love this swing and that improves the backend significantly. 👏👏👏
— jason demers (@jasondemers5) March 2, 2026
Tyler Yaremchuk graded the trade a “B+,” noting that attention now shifts to whether the Oilers will add another forward before the deadline.
Insider Brenden Escott pointed to Murphy’s character reputation in Chicago, describing the reviews as glowing and emphasizing the leadership component he brings. “The character reviews out of the Windy City are glowing as well,” Escott said.
The #Oilers make it official, acquiring a veteran defenceman that I’ve liked for a while now out in Chicago.
The character reviews out of the Windy City are glowing as well. https://t.co/vlNe39CbL6
— Brenden Escott (@BrendenEscott) March 2, 2026
Former player Jack Jablonski went even further, suggesting this could be the strongest defensive core Connor McDavid has had in his career and labeling Murphy a “playoff-ready, hard-nosed, D-first leader” who checks all the boxes for postseason hockey. He sees Murphy playing in the third line with Emberson.
The consensus? Edmonton identified a weakness and addressed it without overpaying.
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Now the focus shifts back to the ice. The Oilers are back in action Tuesday against the Ottawa Senators, and Murphy’s debut could come with heightened expectations.
