Blackhawks' Veteran Defenseman Connor Murphy Sees Playing Time Plummet in Final Season
The Chicago Blackhawks' struggles on the ice have been well-documented, and one of their veteran players is feeling the effects. 32-year-old defenseman Connor Murphy is seeing his playing time dwindle rapidly, raising concerns about whether he'll be able to contribute significantly to the team's efforts.
Just four years ago, Murphy was logging significant minutes for the Blackhawks, including a high of 22:30 in a game against the Seattle Kraken in November 2021. However, that was before his groin condition and osteitis pubis issues began to sideline him for stretches of time.
Fast forward to the present, and Murphy is seeing fewer and farther between shifts. In Monday's 3-1 loss to the Kraken, he played only 8:30 in a game where he's typically expected to contribute more significantly. His average ice time over the last five games has plummeted to just under 12 minutes.
Murphy himself seemed resigned to his reduced role when asked about it on Sunday, saying "Every player wants to play more... But I understand there are decisions." While he acknowledged that all of the team's defensemen are playing well right now, there's no doubt that Murphy is struggling to keep up with the demands of the Blackhawks' system.
Murphy has been open about his struggles with groin issues in the past, but it seems that those problems have largely subsided. However, his lack of quickness and agility at this stage of his career makes him a less-than-ideal fit for coach Jeff Blashill's aggressive systems.
The Blackhawks are trying to make the most of their seven-defensemen lineups, with rookie Artyom Levshunov showing promising signs in his development. But as Levshunov continues to improve and solidify his spot on the team, it may become increasingly clear that Murphy's time in Chicago is coming to an end.
Murphy's contract is set to expire at the end of this season, which could accelerate his departure from the Blackhawks if he remains healthy enough to contribute in a meaningful way. The team may look to shop him before the March 6 trade deadline if they're unable to find a suitable landing spot for him.
The Chicago Blackhawks' struggles on the ice have been well-documented, and one of their veteran players is feeling the effects. 32-year-old defenseman Connor Murphy is seeing his playing time dwindle rapidly, raising concerns about whether he'll be able to contribute significantly to the team's efforts.
Just four years ago, Murphy was logging significant minutes for the Blackhawks, including a high of 22:30 in a game against the Seattle Kraken in November 2021. However, that was before his groin condition and osteitis pubis issues began to sideline him for stretches of time.
Fast forward to the present, and Murphy is seeing fewer and farther between shifts. In Monday's 3-1 loss to the Kraken, he played only 8:30 in a game where he's typically expected to contribute more significantly. His average ice time over the last five games has plummeted to just under 12 minutes.
Murphy himself seemed resigned to his reduced role when asked about it on Sunday, saying "Every player wants to play more... But I understand there are decisions." While he acknowledged that all of the team's defensemen are playing well right now, there's no doubt that Murphy is struggling to keep up with the demands of the Blackhawks' system.
Murphy has been open about his struggles with groin issues in the past, but it seems that those problems have largely subsided. However, his lack of quickness and agility at this stage of his career makes him a less-than-ideal fit for coach Jeff Blashill's aggressive systems.
The Blackhawks are trying to make the most of their seven-defensemen lineups, with rookie Artyom Levshunov showing promising signs in his development. But as Levshunov continues to improve and solidify his spot on the team, it may become increasingly clear that Murphy's time in Chicago is coming to an end.
Murphy's contract is set to expire at the end of this season, which could accelerate his departure from the Blackhawks if he remains healthy enough to contribute in a meaningful way. The team may look to shop him before the March 6 trade deadline if they're unable to find a suitable landing spot for him.
I feel bad for the guy, 'cause he seems like a good player and all. But honestly, I'd rather watch some hockey highlights from last year instead of reading about this guy's struggles 
. And can someone explain to me why teams have so many defensemen on their rosters? Like, isn't it just gonna be one big fight and everyone gets hurt 
️. i mean, who needs a groin condition that's supposedly healed when you can be replaced by some rookie who actually knows how to skate? it's not like he was a key player or anything... just another veteran who's getting the ax because his body doesn't cooperate anymore 
. He was always such a solid player for the Blackhawks and now it seems like his groin issues from before have caught up with him 
. I mean, he's still putting in effort but it's just not the same as being able to skate around out there all 20 minutes 
. The team is doing well right now so maybe they can just let Murphy ride out his contract and find a new team for him when that's up 
. It's crazy how quickly rookies like Artyom Levshunov can come in and take over though, hope the Blackhawks can make the most of him 
.
. I mean, the guy's been with the Hawks for years and has given it his all, but now he's being phased out because of his age and injuries? It's just not right 
. He seems like a pro who understands his limitations, but still, it's frustrating to see him stuck in a reduced role when you know he's got more to offer 
. The Blackhawks should be trying to find ways to get him back on track, rather than writing him off entirely 
. We'll just have to wait and see what happens with his contract and if any team will take a chance on him this season 
.
. also, murphy's contract is coming up for renewal, so maybe the team is actually being smart by giving him less ice time now? 
he was solid 4 yrs ago but now his groin issues are old news and hes struggling to keep up w/ ur system 
. It's tough enough dealing with injuries, but adding in the pressure of a demanding system can really take its toll. On the bright side, he gets to explore new options and potentially find a better fit where he can still contribute 
. And hey, it sounds like rookie Artyom Levshunov is turning out to be a gem - gotta love a good comeback story 
!
. Plus, rookie Artyom Levshunov is sounding pretty promising, so maybe Murphy can focus on helping out in a more supporting role rather than trying to be the hero all the time 
also feels bad for him, he was always a solid defenseman, but his speed & agility aren't what they used to be at 32... think it's time for blackhawks to move on from him 
, hope he can keep up the pace and make a big impact on this team 
. He was always a solid D-man, but his body just can't keep up with the demands of modern NHL hockey anymore. Can't blame the Hawks for making moves, though - gotta build for the future