Dec 6, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy (5) passes the puck against the Los Angeles Kings during the second period at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

This Chicago Blackhawks star is their biggest trade piece ahead of the NHL Trade Deadline

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Vincent Pensabene | Last updated Jan 25, 2026 1:37 PM ET

The Chicago Blackhawks are fighting to be in the postseason picture as they are currently five points out of the final Western Conference Wild Card spot. The team has some intriguing options that they can make as we are getting closer to the NHL Trade Deadline. Chicago has some pieces that they can move ahead of the deadline, so let’s take a closer look at what their biggest piece is right now.

The Chicago Blackhawks’ biggest trade piece is Connor Murphy

NHL’s Adam Gretz wrote an article discussing every team’s best bargaining chip they can use at the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline. For the Blackhawks, Connor Murphy’s name was selected and he wrote the following about why he believes this is the case:

“The Blackhawks have shown some improvement this season, but are still probably not quite ready for a playoff spot. They figure to be sellers again, but should not be in a full teardown mode. Eventually, they need to start focusing on talent acquisition. Still, Murphy could be an attractive option on the trade market given his strong defensive and physical play, and the fact that there aren’t many defensemen likely to be available.

“The Blackhawks also have a number of young defensemen just breaking into the NHL who need bigger roles and minutes. He has been a strong, reliable player on some bad teams in Chicago, and now he might get a chance to play for a contender after the deadline.”

Murphy is a solid veteran who is in the final year of a four-year contract worth $17.6 million. With a $4.4 million average annual value this year, and that number being closer to $2 million with where we are in the season, this is something a contending team could view as a valuable addition for a playoff push. Murphy has nine points (two goals, seven assists) through 50 games thus far and has shown himself to be a strong defenseman on the ice. This would be a sentimental hit as well, though, with Murphy being the longest-tenured Blackhawks player on the roster.

It will be intriguing to see if the Blackhawks decide to move him and if so, what return he brings for the franchise.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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