Connor Murphy is one of those hockey players who might not grab headlines every night, but if you follow the NHL closely, you know exactly why coaches love him. He’s a steady, physical defenseman who has spent over a decade in the league, blocking shots, killing penalties, and doing the quiet work that helps teams win. Now suiting up for the Edmonton Oilers, he’s built a reputation as a reliable defender who shows up when it matters.
Here’s the thing about players like him. They don’t always fill up the stat sheet, but their value is huge. Let’s break down his story, from his early days to where he stands today.
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Quick Bio: Connor Murphy at a Glance
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Detail |
Information |
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Full Name |
Connor Murphy |
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Date of Birth |
March 26, 1993 |
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Age |
33 |
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Birthplace |
Boston, Massachusetts |
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Height |
6’4″ (193 cm) |
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Weight |
212 lbs |
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Position |
Defenseman |
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Current Team |
Edmonton Oilers |
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Former Teams |
Arizona/Phoenix Coyotes, Chicago Blackhawks |
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Father |
Gord Murphy (former NHL defenseman) |
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Siblings |
Tyler (brother), Lexi (sister) |
Early Life and Background
Connor Murphy was born on March 26, 1993, in Boston, Massachusetts. His birth in Boston wasn’t random either. His dad, Gord Murphy, was playing for the Boston Bruins at the time.
Because of his father’s hockey career, young Connor moved around a lot. The family lived in the suburbs of Miami and Atlanta before settling down in Dublin, Ohio.
To be honest, growing up in a hockey household probably shaped everything. His dad wasn’t just any player. Gord Murphy spent years in the NHL as a defenseman, and later worked as a coach.
He isn’t the only kid in the family either. Connor has a brother named Tyler and a sister named Lexi.
Following His Father Into Hockey
What’s interesting is how naturally the game seemed to fit him. With a dad who played and coached at the highest level, Connor had access to knowledge most young players never get.
He picked up the same position his father played, defense. That’s not always the case with hockey families, but it worked out well here.
Amateur Career and Junior Hockey
As a kid, Connor Murphy got early exposure to competitive hockey. He played in the 2006 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with the Ohio AAA Blue Jackets.
Later he joined the USA Hockey National Team Development Program. This is a big deal, since it’s one of the top pipelines for future American NHL players.
He originally committed to Miami University to play college hockey. But he changed his mind and went the junior route instead, signing with the Sarnia Sting in the Ontario Hockey League.
That decision paid off. His time in the OHL helped him grow into a legit pro prospect.
The 2011 NHL Draft
Here’s where things got serious. In the 2011 NHL entry draft, the Phoenix Coyotes selected Connor Murphy 20th overall.
Being a first-round pick brings pressure. But it also showed that scouts saw real potential in his size and defensive game.
Phoenix and Arizona Coyotes Years
Murphy made his NHL debut on November 16, 2013, with the Phoenix Coyotes. And get this, he scored a goal in his very first game.
That’s a memorable way to start a career. Over the next few seasons, he became a regular in the Coyotes lineup as the team eventually rebranded to the Arizona Coyotes.
In July 2016, the Coyotes rewarded him with a six-year contract worth $23.1 million. That kind of deal tells you they believed in him as a long-term piece.
The Move to Chicago Blackhawks
After four seasons in the desert, things changed. In June 2017, Murphy was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks in a deal that sent Niklas Hjalmarsson the other way.
His first season in Chicago wasn’t easy. He was even a healthy scratch for a few early games, and he had to adjust to playing on his off side.
But he stuck with it and slowly earned trust from the coaching staff.
Injuries and Setbacks
To be honest, injuries became a recurring theme during his Chicago years. He missed a big chunk of the 2018–19 season with a back injury.
He also dealt with a groin injury and a hip injury in later seasons. Then in March 2022, a scary concussion ended his season early after a hard hit into the boards.
Bouncing back from all that takes real toughness.
Leadership and Alternate Captain Role
What stood out in Chicago was his leadership. In August 2021, he signed a four-year, $17.6 million contract extension.
Right after that, the Blackhawks named him an alternate captain. He wore the “A” for road games, sharing that honor with Alex DeBrincat.
He was also nominated twice for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy. That award goes to players who show leadership both on and off the ice, so it says a lot about how he was viewed.
The Trade to Edmonton Oilers
Then came a fresh chapter. On March 2, 2026, the Blackhawks traded Connor Murphy to the Edmonton Oilers for a second-round pick in the 2028 draft.
For a veteran defenseman, joining a contender like Edmonton was a big opportunity. And he made the most of it.
During the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs, he scored his first career playoff goal in Game 2 against the Anaheim Ducks. After years of grinding, that had to feel special.
International Career With Team USA
Connor Murphy has also represented the United States on the world stage, and he’s done it well. His international resume is honestly impressive.
He won gold at the 2011 IIHF World U18 Championship, even scoring the overtime winner in the gold medal game against Sweden. He added another gold at the 2013 World Junior Championships.
On top of that, he earned two bronze medals at the senior World Championships, in 2015 and 2018. He was even named captain of Team USA for the 2017 World Championship.
Personal Life
This is where I need to be straight with you. There’s no publicly verified information about Connor Murphy being married, going through a divorce, or having children.
So rather than guessing, I’ll just say it plainly. Those details aren’t confirmed through reliable public sources.
What we do know is his family background in hockey. His father Gord Murphy shaped his path, and his siblings Tyler and Lexi round out the family picture.
Key Career Stats
Numbers tell part of the story. Across more than 825 NHL regular season games, Connor Murphy has racked up 48 goals and 129 assists for 177 points.
He’s never been a big scorer, and that’s fine. His job is defense, blocking shots, and shutting down opponents.
His penalty minutes total over 560, which fits his physical style. In the playoffs, he’s added a few points too, including that first postseason goal with Edmonton.
What Makes Connor Murphy Valuable
Here’s the thing. Not every player needs to score 50 points to matter. Murphy is the type of defenseman who logs tough minutes and plays a shutdown role.
Coaches trust him against top opponents. That reliability, plus his leadership, explains why he’s lasted this long in a tough league.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Connor Murphy?
He was born on March 26, 1993, which makes him 33 years old.
What team does Connor Murphy play for now?
He currently plays for the Edmonton Oilers after being traded there in March 2026.
Is Connor Murphy related to another NHL player?
Yes. His father is Gord Murphy, a former NHL defenseman who also worked as a coach.
What position does Connor Murphy play?
He’s a defenseman who shoots right-handed. He’s known more for his defensive game than for scoring.
Has Connor Murphy won any medals with Team USA?
He has. He won two gold medals at the junior level and two bronze medals at the senior World Championships.
Final Thoughts
Connor Murphy’s story is a good reminder that grit and consistency go a long way in pro sports. He’s dealt with injuries, trades, and tough stretches, yet he keeps showing up and doing his job.
Now with Edmonton, he has a real shot at chasing a Stanley Cup. If you want to dig deeper into his full career stats and season-by-season breakdown, you can check out his detailed profile on Wikipedia. It’s a solid resource for anyone who wants the complete picture.
