Blackhawks 2025-26 Player Grades: Connor Murphy

Connor Murphy’s play felt like it was starting to taper off a bit in the last few seasons, but Murphy came back looking like a new player in his age-32 season. He was playing lesser minutes on the third pairing, but looked great and put up respectable numbers. In 60 games before the trade, Murphy posted 13 points (four goals, nine assists) as well as 62 hits and 87 blocks.

Some of Murphy’s underlying numbers weren’t the best, but he started in the defensive zone about 75% of the time, showcasing the trust that Jeff Blashill had in him and Matt Grzelcyk on the team’s third pairing.

On March 2, 2026, the Blackhawks traded Murphy to the Edmonton Oilers for a future second-round pick. The pick is for the 2028 season, further building up the Blackhawks’ draft pick cupboard. Murphy got to experience playoff hockey for the first time in Edmonton last season.

Player Grades

Blackhawks Cowboy’s Grade: B-

A pillar of Blackhawks hockey departed the team this year. Every era is marked by a select group of players; the dynasty was Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews. The golden years were Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita, and the dark ages included Eric Daze and Tony Amonte. For the dark(er) age, Connor Murphy holds the mantle. He was not special this year, but he was consistent. And consistency from your leader in a rebuild is all you can ask for.

Tony Marchese’s Grade: B

As the longest-tenured Blackhawk entering the season and on an expiring deal, it isn’t shocking that Connor Murphy was moved at the trade deadline. And while Murphy never quite saw the success during his tenure that the Blackhawks had just slightly before it, all things considered, he quietly became a staple on Chicago’s blue line.

In his final 60 games with the Hawks, he tallied 13 points, averaged just over 16:30 minutes of ice time a night, and had a pretty healthy -3 +/-. He also wasn’t afraid to drop the gloves and protect his younger teammates and was normally one of the first players involved in any sort of extracurricular activities taking place between the whistles. That’s a pretty decent season for the veteran defenseman and he will get a B from me for his final efforts in Chicago.

Ron Luce’s Grade: B

It felt like Connor Muprhy dipped into the fountain of youth this past season. Although now a third-pairing defenseman for the Blackhawks, Murphy played well enough to fetch a second-round pick from the Edmonton Oilers. He also finally got to play his first playoff hockey games upon his departure. One of the longest-tenured Blackhawks in some time, Murphy earned a chance at postseason hockey, but was so good for the Blackhawks. He was a big reason their PK was one of the best in the league, and you saw the difference once he left. A strong season for Mr. Murphy.

What’s On Tap Next?

Connor Murphy signed an extension in Edmonton. The new five-year, $4.1 million AAV contract may be the last major payday Murphy gets. That said, he will be leaned on to help Edmonton return to the playoffs. As for the Blackhawks, the 2028 draft pick is just an asset for now.

Tell us if you agree with our grades! What would you give Connor Murphy? Let us know at @FourFeathersPod on X and Instagram!

Next Up: Sam Rinzel