Connor Murphy: Stats | Puckpedia | Salary | HockeyDB | Elite | Contract

Connor Murphy is one of the NHL’s most respected defensive defensemen, known for his size, leadership, and consistent play over more than a decade in the world’s premier hockey league. From his draft day to his contract, salary details, career stats and recent trade news, this article breaks down everything you need to know about Murphy — including his PuckPedia contract overview, salary history, and HockeyDB statistical profile.

1. Early Life and NHL Draft

Connor Murphy was born on March 26, 1993 in Boston, Massachusetts, while his father, former NHL defenseman Gord Murphy, was playing for the Boston Bruins. Raised around hockey, Murphy developed into a strong defensive prospect and was selected 20th overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft by the Phoenix Coyotes (now Arizona Coyotes).

His upbringing around the professional game helped him adjust quickly to the highest levels of hockey, turning his early promise into a long and productive NHL career.

2. NHL Career Overview

Connor Murphy made his NHL debut during the 2013–14 season, and quickly established himself as a reliable defensive defenseman — praised for his size (6’4″, 212 lbs) and ability to shut down opposing forwards.

Teams Played For

• Arizona Coyotes – where he began his NHL career.

• Chicago Blackhawks – where he spent the bulk of his career and served as a veteran leader.

• Edmonton Oilers – acquired in a 2026 trade prior to the NHL trade deadline.

His reputation has largely been built on his defensive play, positional awareness, and ability to log heavy minutes against top competition.

3. NHL Career Stats (Regular Season)

According to HockeyDB, Murphy has played 805+ NHL games with the following totals through the early part of the 2025–26 season:

2025–26 Season Snapshot

In the 2025–26 season before his trade, Murphy recorded:

• 60 GP

• 4 G

• 9 A

• 13 Pts

• 46 PIM

Murphy has consistently delivered defensive value rather than flashy offensive numbers — an important trait for teams seeking a shutdown defenseman.

4. Contract History & Salary Details

PuckPedia Contract Overview

Murphy signed a four-year, $17.6 million contract with the Chicago Blackhawks on August 31, 2021. This deal carried a $4.4 million cap hit annually and runs through the 2025–26 NHL season, after which he will become an Unrestricted Free Agent (UFA).

Here’s how that contract breaks down:

The contract included no performance bonuses but did carry a $1 million signing bonus in 2025-26.

Career Earnings

Murphy has earned a career total estimated at over $42 million in NHL salary to date.

5. Cap Hit and Trade Details

On March 2, 2026, Murphy was traded from the Chicago Blackhawks to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for a 2028 second-round draft pick, with Chicago retaining half his cap hit to help Edmonton manage salary cap space.

He makes $4.4M against the cap annually, which makes him one of the more stable veteran defenders available for contenders seeking depth.

6. Elite Prospects & Career Page Overview

Elite Prospects lists Murphy as a defensive defenseman currently under contract with the Edmonton Oilers for the 2025–26 season. His profile highlights his national team experience (Team USA) and consistent NHL production, although Elite Prospects primarily serves as a general aggregator rather than a contract database.

7. HockeyDB: Complete Career Logs

HockeyDB confirms Murphy’s professional statistics across multiple leagues, including the OHL, AHL, and NHL, tracking every regular season since his junior days. His detailed stats show his transition from a scoring defenseman in junior hockey to a full-time NHL blueliner focused on defence and team success.

8. Playing Style & Strengths

Connor Murphy’s game is hallmarked by:

• Size & reach, making it difficult for attackers to poke check or skate around him.

• Reliable positioning in all zones.

• Penalty-killing ability and match-up defensive use.

• A low-maintenance playing style — meaning he rarely makes high-risk plays, minimizing turnovers.

These traits have made him valuable on teams that prioritize defensive structure.

9. International Play

Murphy has also represented the USA internationally, notably in World Championship competition and at junior levels. He captained the U.S. Men’s National Team at the 2017 IIHF World Championship, leading them to a respectable finish.

10. Comparison With Peers

While not a high-scoring defenseman, Murphy’s career longevity, defensive reliability, and leadership qualities distinguish him among North American defenders drafted in the early 2010s.

Common FAQs About Connor Murphy

Q1: What is Connor Murphy’s salary and contract status?

A: Murphy is under a four-year, $17.6M contract signed in 2021, with a $4.4M cap hit through the end of the 2025–26 season. After that, he will be an unrestricted free agent.

Q2: What teams has Murphy played for in the NHL?

A: Murphy has played for the Arizona Coyotes, Chicago Blackhawks, and as of March 2026, the Edmonton Oilers.

Q3: Is Connor Murphy a good offensive player?

A: Murphy is primarily a defensive defenseman. His career totals include 47 goals and 126 assists, which reflects a supporting offensive role complemented by defensive responsibilities.

Q4: How many NHL games has he played?

A: Murphy has played over 800 career NHL games across his career — a testament to his durability and consistency.

Q5: Does Murphy have international experience?

A: Yes, Murphy has played internationally for Team USA, including captaining the squad at the 2017 IIHF World Championship.

Q6: Did Murphy’s trade affect his cap hit?

A: In the 2026 trade to the Edmonton Oilers, the Chicago Blackhawks retained 50% of Murphy’s $4.4 million cap hit to make the deal more palatable cap-wise for Edmonton.

Conclusion

Connor Murphy’s career exemplifies the type of professional who doesn’t always make the headlines but provides invaluable depth, leadership, and defensive steadiness at the NHL level. From his draft day to his lucrative NHL contract and recent trade move, Murphy remains a key contributor in the league. Whether you’re tracking his stats, exploring contract details or analyzing his role after a mid-season trade, Murphy’s profile reflects a veteran whose value extends beyond traditional scoring numbers.