Imagine a beloved veteran hockey player, once a cornerstone of your favorite team, suddenly watching from the sidelines as younger talents take over—it's a heart-wrenching tale unfolding right now in Chicago. But here's where it gets controversial: is this a sign of inevitable change, or a missed opportunity to honor loyalty in a sport obsessed with youth? Let's dive into the story of Connor Murphy and his likely farewell season with the Blackhawks, exploring the shifts in his role and what it means for the team's future.
Vancouver, BC – Back in November 2021, when the Blackhawks ventured to Seattle for the first time, seasoned defenseman Connor Murphy racked up an impressive 22 minutes and 30 seconds of ice time. That wasn't a fluke; during the 2021-22 season, he hit or exceeded the 22-minute mark in 33 games, fresh off a four-year contract extension signed the summer before. Fast-forward to today, four years later, and Murphy's position on the team's depth chart has transformed dramatically, despite being the longest-standing player on the roster.
Now 32, Murphy logged just 8 minutes and 30 seconds in the Hawks' recent loss to Seattle on Monday—the lowest ice time of his career in a non-injury game. He was limited to only three shifts in the final period. Over the team's last five matches, his average playing time has dropped to a mere 12 minutes, a stark contrast to last season when he averaged over 20 minutes while healthy. For beginners wondering about ice time, it's essentially how long a player is on the ice during a game; more time often means greater trust from the coach and a bigger role in the team's strategy.
As an alternate captain known for his selfless attitude, Murphy responded graciously when questioned about this on Sunday, though his underlying frustration was palpable. "Every player naturally wants more ice time, so no one would be pleased with fewer minutes," he shared. "That said, I get that coaching decisions have to be made. A big part of it is that our entire defense corps is performing exceptionally well, so I can't really dispute that." He emphasized his focus on maximizing his shifts: "When I'm out there, I'm aiming to make every moment count and influence the game positively."
Murphy has battled a groin issue called osteitis pubis—a chronic inflammation of the pubic bone that's notoriously stubborn and can limit speed and agility—for significant stretches of the past two seasons. He reassured everyone it's not hindering him currently, and he's grateful, since it plagued him all summer. Yet, his reduced quickness and mobility at 32 don't align perfectly with coach Jeff Blashill's high-energy, aggressive style of play, leading to struggles on the ice. Under his five-on-five shifts, the Hawks have been outscored 5-2 with a dismal 38.9% scoring-chance ratio—a stat that shows how often the team gets or allows quality shots, highlighting defensive lapses.
Murphy even poked fun at himself, joking during another question that rookie Wyatt Kaiser isn't "as heavy-footed as I am," acknowledging the challenge. Blashill confirmed they chatted briefly before the Kraken game. "Connor's been a solid contributor and a true leader for us," Blashill noted. "Some evenings he'll play more, some less—that's just the nature of our current setup. When certain players are excelling, they get the extra minutes, which is why we're suiting up seven defensemen." And this is the part most people miss: the seven-defenseman approach isn't just a tactic; it's designed to spread playing time and develop youth, but it inevitably squeezes out veterans like Murphy.
Indeed, in the last three games, Murphy has seen the least action among the seven defenders, with Louis Crevier and veteran Matt Grzelcyk climbing above him in the hierarchy. Adding to the mix, rookie Artyom Levshunov's rapid progress is noteworthy. The seven-man lineup was partly implemented to protect him as he adjusts, but as his decision-making sharpens and he holds his own against NHL talent, that protection becomes unnecessary. Levshunov notched assists in three straight games before Monday and clocked a season-best 19 minutes and 9 seconds in Seattle, where the Hawks dominated with a 16-5 scoring-chance advantage during his time on ice. He's clearly on an upward trajectory.
So, what's next for Murphy? Short-term, Blashill faces a delicate balancing act. Long-term, this could very well mark Murphy's swan song in Chicago, as his contract expires and there's talk of potentially trading him before the March 6 deadline if he stays fit and retains value. The Blackhawks' push toward a youthful defense is on the verge of fully taking over, possibly sidelining the last remnant of the old regime.
But here's where it gets controversial: Should teams prioritize loyalty to veterans like Murphy, who embody the franchise's history, over chasing wins with fresh faces? Or is this just the harsh reality of professional sports, where age catches up faster than ever? What do you think—should the Hawks keep Murphy for his leadership, or is it time to move on? Share your thoughts in the comments below; I'd love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have a different take!
In related news, the Hawks' general manager weighed in on Monday about the team's strong start to the season, Connor Bedard's standout performances, and coach Jeff Blashill's initial month at the helm.
The Blackhawks struggled to break through a resilient defense in their 3-1 road loss on Monday, extending their winless streak on this trip.
With nine points in nine games for Rockford, Oliver Moore earned a promotion to the big leagues, making his season debut for the Hawks against the Kraken on Monday.
Ben Pope, Chicago Sun-Times Blackhawks Reporter
