The Chicago Blackhawks started their season strong but have recently hit a rough patch, currently on a six-game losing streak and having won only two of their last 10 games. With a 13-17-6 record, they now sit at the bottom of the NHL standings and are being viewed as likely sellers at the trade deadline, with defenseman Connor Murphy, who is set to become a free agent, among the top players potentially traded.
The Blackhawks have several promising young defensemen, so moving Murphy before the 2026 NHL trade deadline seems likely. Murphy was highlighted in The Athletic’s latest NHL Trade Matchmaker column, where Pierre LeBrun suggested the Florida Panthers might be interested in acquiring him, while Chris Johnston pointed to the Vegas Golden Knights as a possible destination.
LeBrun’s suggestion of the Panthers makes sense because they need to bolster their defensive depth. Adding Murphy would give Florida a seasoned veteran to complement Aaron Ekblad and Seth Jones, forming a strong right-side defensive line as they aim for a third consecutive Stanley Cup. Meanwhile, Johnston’s choice of the Golden Knights also holds merit since they need an improvement on their right-side defense, and Murphy would be a valuable addition to their second defensive pairing, even if he plays more of a supporting role.
Fan Take: This potential trade highlights how teams struggling mid-season might pivot to rebuild or strengthen key areas, keeping the NHL dynamic and competitive. For fans, seeing veterans like Murphy change teams can shift the balance of power and create fresh excitement as new chemistry and strategies emerge on the ice.
