The Edmonton Oilers have signed veteran defenceman Connor Murphy to a five-year contract with an average annual value of $4.1 million, the team announced Monday. The deal keeps Murphy in Edmonton through the 2030-31 season.
Contract details and impact
Murphy, 32, joined the Oilers in a trade from the Chicago Blackhawks in March 2025. In 82 games with Edmonton last season, he recorded 4 goals and 18 assists while averaging 19:42 of ice time per game. The right-shot blueliner is known for his defensive reliability and physical play, registering 142 blocked shots and 117 hits in 2025-26.
According to CapFriendly, the contract includes a modified no-trade clause in the final two years. The Oilers now have approximately $6.2 million in projected cap space for the 2026-27 season.
Reaction from management
"Connor has been a steadying presence on our blue line since arriving last season," Oilers general manager Stan Bowman said in a statement. "His experience, leadership and defensive awareness are invaluable to our group. We're pleased to have him under contract for the next five years."
Murphy expressed excitement about remaining in Edmonton. "The organization has been first-class since the day I got here," Murphy said. "I believe in what we're building, and I'm thrilled to continue my career with the Oilers."
Career overview
Originally selected by the Phoenix Coyotes in the first round (20th overall) of the 2011 NHL Draft, Murphy has played 781 career NHL games with the Coyotes, Blackhawks and Oilers. He has accumulated 46 goals and 166 assists for 212 points, along with a plus-minus rating of minus-15. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound defenceman has appeared in 44 playoff games.
The Oilers finished second in the Pacific Division last season with a 48-24-10 record, advancing to the Western Conference Final before losing to the eventual Stanley Cup champion Vancouver Canucks.
