Connor Murphy Bio
Connor Murphy is an American professional ice hockey defenseman and alternate captain for the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League (NHL). Drafted 20th overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft by the Phoenix Coyotes, Murphy has built a reputation as a reliable and physical defenseman. He is the son of former NHL defenseman Gord Murphy.
Early Life and Background
Connor Murphy was born on March 26, 1993, in Boston, Massachusetts, while his father, Gord Murphy, was playing for the Boston Bruins. He grew up in the suburbs of Miami and Atlanta before his family settled in Dublin, Ohio, where his father served as an assistant coach for the Columbus Blue Jackets. Murphy has two siblings, a brother named Tyler and a sister named Lexi.
Murphy played youth hockey with the Ohio AAA Blue Jackets and participated in the 2006 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament. He later joined the USA Hockey National Team Development Program competing in the United States Hockey League (USHL). Initially committed to Miami University, he chose to play junior hockey with the Sarnia Sting in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) to further his development.
Path to Hockey
Murphy’s junior career with the Sarnia Sting in the OHL was a critical step in his progression toward professional hockey. His performance in the OHL and international play with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program showcased his defensive skills and hockey IQ. These achievements led to his selection in the first round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft by the Phoenix Coyotes.
Connor Murphy Career
Early Career (2013–2017)
Connor Murphy made his NHL debut with the Phoenix Coyotes on November 16, 2013. Impressively, he scored his first NHL goal in his debut game against Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Anders Lindbäck. Over his first four seasons with the Coyotes, Murphy established himself as a dependable defenseman, earning a six-year contract extension worth $23.1 million in 2016.
During this period, Murphy developed his game under the Coyotes’ coaching staff and gained valuable experience competing against top NHL talent. His size and physicality became key assets as he adapted to the pace and demands of the NHL.
Chicago Blackhawks Era (2017–Present)
On June 23, 2017, Murphy was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks along with Laurent Dauphin in exchange for Niklas Hjalmarsson. His first season with Chicago was challenging, as he struggled to find a consistent role and was occasionally a healthy scratch. He was often asked to play on his off-side, which affected his performance early on.
Despite initial difficulties, Murphy found chemistry playing alongside Brent Seabrook in a third-pairing role. Injuries and lineup changes continued to impact his consistency, but he remained a key defensive presence. Murphy missed significant time in the 2018–19 season due to a back injury but returned to form playing a shutdown role with rookie Carl Dahlström.
The 2019–20 season saw Murphy overcome injuries and form new defensive partnerships, including with Duncan Keith and Olli Määttä. He set a career-high with 19 points through 58 games before the NHL paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Murphy returned for the modified 2020 playoffs, helping the Blackhawks upset the Edmonton Oilers before falling to the Vegas Golden Knights.
In the shortened 2020–21 season, Murphy reached 100 career NHL points and was nominated by the Blackhawks for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy, recognizing leadership on and off the ice. In August 2021, he signed a four-year, $17.6 million contract extension and was named an alternate captain. A concussion in March 2022 ended his season early, but he was again nominated for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy.
Playing Style and Strengths
Connor Murphy is known for his size and physicality, standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 96 kilograms. He plays a strong defensive game, excelling in shutdown roles against opposing top lines. Murphy’s ability to win puck battles and play a physical style has been praised by coaches. His versatility allows him to play both sides of the ice, though he primarily plays right defense.
Notable Events and Milestones
Murphy’s NHL debut goal in 2013 marked an auspicious start to his professional career. His leadership qualities have been recognized through multiple nominations for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy. The trade to Chicago in 2017 was a significant career moment, leading to his appointment as alternate captain and a key role on the Blackhawks’ blue line.
Connor Murphy Career Wins
Throughout his NHL career, Connor Murphy has been a consistent presence on defense, contributing both offensively and defensively. While not primarily known for scoring, he has accumulated over 100 career points and has been integral in key playoff appearances with the Chicago Blackhawks.
Chicago Blackhawks Highlights
Since joining the Blackhawks in 2017, Murphy has been a steady defensive force. He achieved a career-high 19 points in the 2019–20 season and has been valued for his shutdown capabilities. His leadership role as alternate captain reflects his importance to the team’s core.
Other Performances
Murphy’s international experience includes representing the United States at the 2011 IIHF World U18 Championships, where he scored the overtime gold medal-winning goal against Sweden. He also captained Team USA at the 2017 IIHF World Championship, leading the team to a fifth-place finish.
Connor Murphy Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Connor Murphy is the son of Gord Murphy, a former NHL defenseman. Growing up in a hockey family, he was exposed to professional hockey environments from an early age. His father’s career influenced his development and understanding of the game.
Personal Life
Murphy has two siblings, Tyler and Lexi. Details about his marital status and children are not publicly available.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2025 season, Connor Murphy remains a key defenseman and alternate captain for the Chicago Blackhawks. Under his leadership and experience, the team aims to improve its defensive stability and compete for playoff positioning. Murphy’s contract through 2025 secures his role as a veteran presence on the roster. His health and consistent play will be vital as the Blackhawks develop younger talent and pursue success in a competitive NHL landscape.