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Oilers Defenseman Was on Canadiens Trade Radar at Deadline

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | Last updated Apr 3, 2026 2:10 PM ET

Connor Murphy has been a big addition for the Edmonton Oilers this season. He’s fit in seamlessly and stabilized their blue line since his arrival. One could argue that the Oilers made a wise choice when they targeted Murphy from the Chicago Blackhawks, as he was the exact kind of defenseman they needed. Interestingly, it wasn’t only the Oilers who took a long look at Murphy before the trade.

TSN insider Pierre LeBrun reports the Montreal Canadiens kicked tires on Murphy as well. While a guest on The Sick Podcast, LeBrun explained that the Habs eyed a few options, ultimately deciding the price to acquire an upgrade on defense wasn’t worth it.

…we know they explored different options. They looked at Connor Murphy, who went from Chicago to Edmonton, and had conversations with Philly about Rasmus Ristolainen. I bring these names up because now with Carrier hurt, it’s worth noting.”

He added, “But having said that, sometimes the best trades you make are the ones you don’t. Given some of the prices I was hearing during that period, there’s just as good a chance the Canadiens would have regretted giving up the assets for the return.”

The Window for the Canadiens and Oilers Is Different

LeBrun praised the Canadiens for having self-restraint. He noted that the team is a potential contender, but they’re not as close to Cup contention as the Oilers.

“They’re playing their best hockey of the season and heading to the playoffs, so all bets are off. Tampa isn’t an ideal matchup, as they’re the best team in the East, but in a wide-open Eastern Conference, anything can happen. This is just the first step in what could honestly be a seven- to nine-year window where this organization takes multiple swings at contention. That’s exciting for any Canadiens fan.”

The Oilers, however, needed that one piece on the blueline that could shift things around and be the ideal fit. Murphy has been that since his arrival. He’s been a godsend for Darnell Nurse and pushed Jake Walman down to the third pair with Ty Emberson. That’s evened things out, giving the Oilers seven viable options for the playoffs. And because it’s win or bust for the Oilers, it was worth it to spend a bit more to land Murphy.

All things considered, it was a good move for the Oilers, who gave up a 2028 second-round draft pick to get Murphy at 50% retained.

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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