The Oilers schedule tightens after Edmonton acquired defenseman Connor Murphy from the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday, a move aimed at shoring up a right-shot need ahead of the NHL Trade Deadline. Murphy was exchanged for a second-round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft; Chicago will retain 50 percent of his remaining contract. The deal addresses the Oilers’ push to win now as they head into games with Murphy joining the roster.
Oilers Schedule, Next Games and Immediate Impact
The timing of the trade intersects directly with the Oilers schedule: Edmonton plays the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday (9 p. m. ET), and the NHL Trade Deadline is Friday at 3 p. m. ET. Murphy joined the Oilers on Tuesday but will not play immediately; his arrival reshuffles minutes and matchups that are mapped in the current oilers schedule across the coming days. Team moves announced the same day also included forward Mattias Janmark placed on long-term injured reserve and recalls of Josh Samanski and Isaac Howard from Bakersfield of the American Hockey League.
Details of the Trade and Player Profile
The Chicago Blackhawks traded Murphy to Edmonton for a 2028 second-round pick, with Chicago retaining half of Murphy’s remaining salary. Connor Murphy, 32, is in the final season of a four-year, $17. 6 million contract (a $4. 4 million average annual value) signed on Aug. 31, 2021, and can become an unrestricted free agent after the season. This season he has 13 points (four goals, nine assists) in 60 games, led Chicago in blocked shots with 87 and ranked second in short-handed ice time per game (2: 57). Across his career, Murphy has 173 points (47 goals, 126 assists) in 805 regular-season games and four assists in nine Stanley Cup Playoff games.
Immediate Reactions from Club Leaders
Connor McDavid, captain of the Oilers, said of Murphy: “Not fun to play against, which is a good sign. Just a solid player, and I think he can really help for sure. ” Stan Bowman, general manager of the Edmonton club, spoke earlier about roster needs ahead of the deadline: “We have more lefts than rights, so in a simplistic way, yes. But also, you don’t want to overdo that too much… Ideally, you’d like to have three lefts and three rights in your pairs. ” Bowman added a broader mandate: “We’re always looking to add… we’re going to keep pushing. ”
Jeff Blashill, head coach of the Chicago Blackhawks, praised Murphy’s contributions in Chicago: “I can’t say enough good things about Murph… He’s a huge reason why our kill has been really successful. He’s defended really well; he’s moved the puck well. ” Blashill’s remarks frame why Murphy was a sought-after defensive presence and why he was moved in a deadline transaction that impacts the oilers schedule directly.
Quick context: The Oilers are 29-24-8 and sit fourth in the Pacific Division with 66 points, holding the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference, and have lost to the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final each of the past two seasons. The club’s penalty kill and right-shot depth were cited as drivers for the acquisition.
What’s next: Expect lineup adjustments and matchups to be announced as the coaching staff integrates Murphy into defensive pairs ahead of Tuesday’s 9 p. m. ET game and with the NHL Trade Deadline looming Friday at 3 p. m. ET. The immediate focus will be whether Murphy’s presence changes short-handed deployment and pairing decisions already mapped on the oilers schedule; further roster moves and minutes distribution are likely as Edmonton pushes toward the postseason and finalizes its deadline-day strategy.
