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Penguins linked to Blackhawks assistant captain Connor Murphy as potential trade deadline target
Photo credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
One of the teams listed as a potential destination for Chicago Blackhawks assistant captain and defenseman Connor Murphy is the Pittsburgh Penguins, who could try and add to their team.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are in a much better position than just about anyone thought they would be in before the year began.
Even though GM Kyle Dubas has repeatedly said that he wants the team to get younger, there's a chance he could be a buyer this year at the trade deadline.
One player widely embroiled in trade rumours is Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy, and per analyst Chris Johnston, there are multiple teams who could be fits for Murphy, including the Penguins.
The Dallas is a natural fit, but the Stars are hardly the only team looking for a right-shot and/or depth defenseman. Buffalo, Ottawa, San Jose, Pittsburgh, Boston and Detroit all make sense, too. A bidding war is Kyle Davidson’s best hope at getting anything substantial at this deadline. - Chris Johnston
Johnston then said that because of his pending UFA status, he's one of the most likely players to be moved by Chicago.
As a right-shot defenseman on an expiring contract, he’s the most valuable piece the Blackhawks are likely to put on the market at this deadline. Multiple contending teams have been keeping tabs on Murphy throughout this season with the understanding that he could be available. It remains to be seen how high prices will go league-wide, but Murphy should bring back a premium future asset. - Chris Johnston
The trade deadline is March 6.
Connor Murphy Is A Pending UFA With The Chicago Blackhawks
Murphy was taken 20th overall by the Phoenix Coyotes in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, and he'd play four years in a Coyotes sweater before being traded to the Blackhawks in 2017 for Niklas Hjalmarsson.
He's remained in a Blackhawks sweater ever since.
So far in his NHL career, Murphy has 172 points (47G, 125A) in 802 games.
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