Edmonton Oilers reportedly interested in Blackhawks defenceman in deadline deal
The Edmonton Oilers are preparing for their break of the Four Nations face off and it appears that Blackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy has been linked to the team as a possible trade target.
The Oilers have tried to bolster their defence especially on their right side recently with unrestricted free agent John Klingberg. Many hockey pundits feel that the Oilers will still shop for a defenseman as Klingberg needs more time on the ice.
Connor Murphy likely to be called about by many teams
Frank Seravalli of the Daily Faceoff has predicted that the Oilers are a contender for his services and have placed him as #14 on his trade target board.
Seravalli also explained that there is a strong link between Murphy and general manager Stan Bowman as he brought him to the Chicago Blackhawks eight years ago in exchange for Niklas Hjalmarsson.
Oilers may be willing to move a 1st rounder for Murphy
The 31-year-old defenseman was drafted in 2011 by the Phoenix Coyotes, first round 20th overall.
After spending four seasons with the Coyotes, he has remained with the Blackhawks since 2017 and has averaged between 18 and 22 minutes of ice time per year.
Blackhawks General manager Kyle Davidson but likely have Murphy for sale as many teams are looking for a low cost on the cap and would be in the second or third pairing defence but have a rugged style of play for playoff hockey.
The cost seems to be at least a first round draft pick as many teams have been giving up their picks over the past couple of weeks.
Many have indicated that this draft year will not be as strong as other draft years in the past and if a first round pick would help solidify the Oilers defence, it would give them the best chance to go for a long run for the Stanley Cup.
Source: OilersNation
Hawks' defender Connor Murphy is emerging as a target for the Oilers
