The Edmonton Oilers made a savvy move at the NHL trade deadline by acquiring defenseman Connor Murphy from the Chicago Blackhawks, and now they face a critical decision on his future with the team.

Murphy, who was playing on an expiring contract, immediately stepped into a top-four role with the Oilers, bringing much-needed stability to a defensive unit that struggled throughout the season. His performance in Edmonton was impressive enough that the team is now weighing whether to bring him back for another run.

At 33 years old, Murphy proved he still has plenty left in the tank. He earned $4.4 million this past season, and experts predict his next contract could land in a similar range. Daily Faceoff's Matt Larkin noted that Murphy "opened the year looking like a complete afterthought in Chicago" but found his groove on the NHL's top-ranked penalty kill unit, eventually earning a second-round pick in the trade to Edmonton.

What makes Murphy so valuable? He brings size, veteran leadership, and a right-handed shot—a combination that every contender covets on the blue line. He's expected to be one of the top defensive defensemen available in unrestricted free agency, which means the Oilers won't be the only team interested.

For Edmonton, retaining Murphy could be key to bouncing back next season. With Connor McDavid leading the charge, the Oilers need a reliable defensive core to support their high-powered offense. But with several teams likely to pursue Murphy's services, the Oilers may need to act quickly to secure his signature.