After 17 games with the Edmonton Oilers, defenseman Connor Murphy has provided sufficient evidence for a comprehensive evaluation of his capabilities on the ice. Observers have noted that Murphy appears to be a refined and upgraded iteration of Cody Ceci, who previously partnered with Darnell Nurse. This comparison sets the stage for an intriguing matchup as the Oilers prepare to face the Los Angeles Kings, where Murphy's performance will be closely scrutinized.
Similarities in Defensive Approach
Murphy shares several key traits with Ceci, particularly in their playing style. Neither player is exceptionally fast nor a flashy passer, but both demonstrate adequate speed and intelligent puck movement. They prioritize simple, safe plays over risky attempts, focusing on stability and reliability in defensive situations.
Defensive Intelligence and Positioning
The core strength of both Ceci and Murphy lies in their high defensive IQ. They excel at reading the game, which allows them to position themselves effectively to make crucial stops. This skill ensures they maintain optimal gaps—neither too distant from the play nor too close, which could allow attackers to bypass them. Additionally, both are disciplined in avoiding unnecessary pinches and are proficient at clearing opponents from the front of the net.
Like many NHL defensemen, they can face challenges against the league's fastest and most deceptive forwards, but their overall defensive acumen helps mitigate these difficulties.
Key Differences: Physicality and Edge
The primary distinction between Murphy and Ceci is Murphy's enhanced physicality. Murphy exhibits a more aggressive style, frequently engaging opponents along the boards and delivering impactful checks in front of the net. This physical edge adds a new dimension to his game, potentially making him a more formidable presence in defensive zones.
Context of the Transition from Ceci to Murphy
The Oilers moved on from Ceci following defensive struggles during the 2024 playoffs, particularly in shutting down opposing attackers. In hindsight, these issues were more attributable to Nurse's erratic defensive reads under playoff pressure. However, Ceci also seemed past his peak in Edmonton, with the team needing a younger, more cost-effective option to manage salary cap constraints while accommodating superstar contracts.
Ceci, now 32, completed the final season of his four-year, $3.25 million annual contract with San Jose and Dallas before signing a new four-year deal with Los Angeles at $4.5 million per year. Meanwhile, Murphy, 33, is in the last year of a contract paying him $4.4 million, with the Chicago Blackhawks retaining half of that against the cap.
Current Roles and Performance Metrics
In Los Angeles, Ceci is logging third-pairing minutes, averaging 17:31 per game. Prior to his trade to Edmonton, Murphy had a similar role in Chicago, averaging 16:34 per game. However, with the Oilers, Murphy has been elevated to the second pairing alongside Nurse, averaging 20:31 per game. In this role, he serves as a stabilizing force, mirroring Ceci's previous function but with added physicality.
Statistically, Murphy has made the lowest rate of major mistakes leading to Grade A shots against among Edmonton's top four defensemen this season, at 1.3 per game. This compares favorably to Evan Bouchard (1.8), Mattias Ekholm (1.6), and Nurse (1.65). Murphy's error rate approaches the low levels seen from standout defensive players in the Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl era, such as Adam Larsson and Kris Russell.
Prospects for Success with Nurse
The critical question remains: Will Murphy succeed alongside Nurse? His sensible, positionally sound approach, combined with his physical play, suggests he could be an effective partner. As the Oilers face the Kings, this matchup will test whether Murphy's enhanced version of Ceci's style can translate into improved defensive outcomes and contribute to team success in high-stakes situations.
