Oilers reward veteran player with familiar name with long-term deal

A player named Connor has agreed to a new longterm to stay with the Edmonton Oilers, but it's not the one fans are hoping they eventually see news about. 

The Oilers announced the signing of veteran Connor Murphy, not McDavid, to a new five-year contract, worth about $4.1 million per season. 

Murphy was set to become an unrestricted free agent prior to being retained by Edmonton. The signing signals the Oilers being pleased with the 33-year-old Murphy after acquiring him in a midseason trade with the Chicago Blackhawks. 

Connor Murphy proved to be a helpful defenseman for the Oilers 

Murphy played in 20 games with Edmonton following the trade, registering four points (one goal, three assists). But not known for his offense, Murphy proved to be a serviceable defensive defenseman for a team in desperate need of help on the blue line. He even enjoyed a boost in time on the ice with the Oilers compared to what he was receiving in 60 games with Chicago. 

In 80 of the possible 82 games throughout the 2025-26 season, Murphy scored five goals and recorded 17 points as a -2, (+1 with the Oilers) and 71 penalty minutes.