The Edmonton Oilers have made their first trade ahead of Friday’s NHL trade deadline, acquiring defenceman Connor Murphy from the Chicago Blackhawks.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman was first to report talks intensifying Monday afternoon, while Mark Spector was first to report the Oilers would be acquiring Murphy, with 50 per cent of his $4.4-million contract retained, for a second-round pick. The pick is Edmonton’s 2028 second-round selection, Frank Seravalli reported.

Murphy, 32, has appeared in 60 games for the Blackhawks this season, scoring four goals and 13 points. The right-shot defenceman has spent the last nine years in Chicago, having been acquired while current Oilers general manager Stan Bowman was with the team.

Known for his defensive prowess and for being a tough-to-play-against player, Murphy has seen a dip in his five-on-five ice time this season, but has led all Blackhawks blueliners in penalty-kill minutes for the league’s top-ranked unit. He doesn’t provide much offence, driving play at a seven per cent rate below league average, but is rock-solid in his own zone, driving play defensively at a seven per cent rate above league average, according to HockeyViz.

Murphy has posted strong suppression rates over the last two seasons, as with him on the ice, the Blackhawks have given up just 2.47 goals against per hour at five-on-five, and 3.15 with him off the ice. He’s also someone who doesn’t shy from the physical game, nor from blocking shots, which he does at a rate among the highest for NHL defencemen. An expansive list of fights, including four this year, highlights him as a player who won’t shy from standing up for his teammates.

Oilersnation’s Jason Gregor reported the Oilers are likely to send Isaac Howard to the AHL, not long after recalling him, in order to be cap-compliant. Edmonton moving on from its 2028 second-round pick in the deal allows them to retain this year’s second-round pick, as well as their first- and second-round picks in 2027, potentially allowing them to make more moves ahead of Friday’s deadline.

Zach Laing is Oilersnation’s managing editor, and The Nation Network’s news director. He also makes up one-half of the Daily Faceoff DFS Hockey Report. He can be followed on X at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach.laing@bettercollective.com.

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