The Edmonton Oilers have multiple roster needs that they need to address leading up to the 2026 NHL trade deadline. This is especially so when noting that the Oilers are currently going through a very rough patch, as they have lost five out of their last six games.
One of the Oilers’ biggest objectives leading up to the trade deadline is improving their defense. The right side of their blueline, in particular, has been in need of a reliable defenseman who can play key minutes.
Now, the Oilers have made their first big deal to address this need, as they have struck a deal with the Chicago Blackhawks for one of the top defenseman trade candidates who was on the market.
Oilers Have Trade in Place With Blackhawks for Defenseman Connor Murphy
According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, the Oilers are acquiring defenseman Connor Murphy from the Blackhawks in exchange for a 2028 second-round pick. In addition, Seravalli noted that the trade will be made official later on Monday and that the Blackhawks will retain half of Murphy’s $4.4 million cap hit.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman was the first to report that trade talks between the Oilers and Blackhawks were heating up regarding Murphy. Now, with this report from Seravalli, the Oilers are giving up a second-round pick to land a much-needed upgrade on their right side. That certainly is worth the price for an Oilers club that is looking to go on another run this postseason.
The Blackhawks, on the other hand, have gotten a good draft pick for a veteran defenseman in Murphy who simply did not have a long-term fit in Chicago. With Murphy being a pending unrestricted free agent (UFA) and the Blackhawks having an array of promising young defensemen in their system, now was simply the time to move on from Murphy. In addition, the Blackhawks should be happy with the return that they got for the 6-foot-4 defenseman.
Where Murphy Will Fit in the Oilers’ Lineup
When looking at the Oilers’ roster, it is clear that the Oilers have a few spots where they could play Murphy. If the Oilers want to give Murphy more minutes, he could slot on their second pairing with either Darnell Nurse or Jake Walman. However, Murphy’s best fit may be on their third pairing as an upgrade over Ty Emberson.
Murphy will also be a clear option for the Oilers’ penalty kill because of his strong defensive play. The Oilers needed a steady stay-at-home, defensive defenseman on their roster, and Murphy will now give them just that. In addition, Murphy will provide the Oilers with another veteran blueliner who is known for being a good leader.
NHL Trade Market Still Has Many More Defensemen After Murphy Deal
Murphy may no longer be an option for contenders looking to add to their blueline, but there are still many other right-shot defenseman trade candidates who have yet to be moved. Among them are Justin Faulk, Dougie Hamilton, Brandon Carlo, MacKenzie Weegar, Zach Whitecloud, and Braden Schneider. With this, playoff teams still have some solid targets to consider pursuing.
Yet, the Oilers have won the Murphy sweepstakes, and he will now give their blueline a much-needed boost from here.
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