Babcock hiring ‘exciting possibility’ for Oilers’ Jason Dickinson

‘Very mature group’

Murphy didn’t answer quite so directly about Babcock, but talked about the team’s maturity, which was part of the main reasons Edmonton was attractive to him in the first place. 

“In general, the one thing I feel about the team that we’ve been a part of is being more of a veteran group and a very mature group,” said Murphy.  

“I feel like whatever coach comes in and whatever they try to implement accountability-wise or structure-wise or discipline, I think guys will handle it. And I think guys really want to be coached. So anything that’s thrown this team’s way, I think they’re going to really grasp it and try to get the best of each other with whatever is given.” 

Both Dickinson and Murphy were acquired from the Chicago Blackhawks in separate March trades. 

Dickinson’s contract is a five-year deal with a $4 million cap hit, while containing signing bonuses of $1.5 million for the first three years and $1 million bonuses in the fourth and fifth years. The first three seasons include a full no-move clause, shifting to a 16-team approved trade list in the final two years, after June 15, 2029.

Murphy’s contract is similarly structured. His deal is slightly more expensive against the cap at $4.1 million, while carrying the same full no-movement clause in the first three years, and a 16-team approved trade list in the final two years, just like Dickinson’s.

While available to reporters, the pair were asked about why they decided to stay in Edmonton, their defensive prowess, and other factors that led to their contracts.

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