Grading Oilers’ 5-Year Extension for Connor Murphy – The Hockey Writers –

The Edmonton Oilers recently completed another piece of business, extending defender Connor Murphy on a new five-year deal worth $4.1 million annually. The announcement of his extension came just a day after they announced a similar extension for Jason Dickinson.

MURPH 👊

The #Oilers have signed defenceman Connor Murphy to a five-year contract with an AAV of $4.1 million. pic.twitter.com/7avMhxiYDt

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) June 22, 2026

Murphy, who is 33 years old, was acquired by the Oilers before the 2026 Trade Deadline from the Chicago Blackhawks, and seemed to be a perfect fit right away. Between the Blackhawks and Oilers, Murphy scored five goals and added 12 assists for 17 points through 80 games. Throughout his career, he has scored 48 goals and added 129 assists for 177 points through 825 games.

Murphy doesn’t bring much to the table offensively, but his value comes from being a solid shutdown defender who can play big minutes in a top-four role. Similar to the Dickinson extension, this announcement was met with split opinions down the middle, with some fans believing it was solid, while some believed it was a terrible contract.

Oilers Doing Great Work So Far This Offseason

Let’s make one thing very clear, this has been some impressive work from general manager Stan Bowman over the past couple of days.

Considering the value that both Dickinson and Murphy would bring to any team, props have to be given to the management group for bringing them both in at a decent price. The term might be a little scary, but if it meant bringing the money down, I have no issue with an extra year or two.

The other nice thing about the Murphy deal is the structure of trade protection. For the first three seasons of the contract, he has a no-trade clause, but he has a 16-team trade list in the final two seasons, making it possible to move him if he starts to decline significantly.

There is still more work to be done for the Oilers, but bringing back two key pending free agents is a great start.

Oilers Had to Bring Back Murphy

With the report that Darnell Nurse requested a trade, the Oilers had almost no choice but to bring back Murphy. Jake Walman should be able to replace Nurse on the second pairing, but if they had lost Murphy to free agency, they would’ve been focused on trying to find a replacement, and that could’ve costed a lot more, and they may not have been as effective as Murphy.

As I mentioned earlier, Murphy doesn’t provide much offensively, but his value comes from his ability to defend at an elite level. Considering one of the Oilers’ key weaknesses was how they defended, bringing Murphy back was mandatory.

Connor Murphy, signed 5x$4.1M by EDM, is a veteran stay-at-home defenceman with good size and reach who plays a disruptive game despite not having great wheels. Pretty good first pass but doesn’t do much with the puck. pic.twitter.com/hAXW3Ux2oc

— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) June 22, 2026

Murphy fit extremely well with the Oilers following the trade before the deadline, so banking on him, rather than trying to sign, or acquire, someone new for that role, is a smart decision.

Weak Free Agent Class Makes Deal Look Even Better

The free agent class this offseason is one of the weakest in recent history, but teams still need to improve. One of the things many teams are expected to target are right-shot defenders who can play big minutes, which is exactly what Murphy is.

Considering the amount of interest that Murphy would’ve had if he hit the open market, this deal looks even better. There is a world where a team that was desperate enough to add defensive depth could’ve given Murphy upwards of $5.5 million annually.

Great Contract, Not Perfect

This is a great contract for the Oilers. They keep a player who fits well with their team, without having to break the bank, leaving them flexibility to make other moves this offseason.

I would’ve liked to see the term be for three years, but if adding two extra years meant saving enough money to fill other needs, I can live with that.

It’s not a perfect contract, but it’s pretty solid.

Grade: A-

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