With Brandon Carlo traded to Toronto, the Bruins may turn to veteran Connor Murphy as they try to rebuild the right side of their defense.
Carlo trade leaves the Bruins exposed on the right side
After shipping Brandon Carlo to the Maple Leafs at the deadline, Boston’s defense took a serious hit. There’s now a noticeable gap on the right, and management knows it.
Free agency will have some options, sure, Aaron Ekblad, Dante Fabbro, Brent Burns, maybe Cody Ceci. But those names come with questions. Age, cost, fit.
That’s why the trade market is starting to look like a better bet. One name being floated: Chicago’s Connor Murphy.
Murphy could be available, and he’s built for this system
Murphy isn’t flashy. That’s the point. He’s 6-foot-4, right-handed, and doesn’t try to do too much. Stay-at-home type. Blocks shots. Plays the body.
With Carlo gone, the Boston Bruins need someone who can handle hard minutes without trying to be a hero. Murphy’s been doing that for years in Chicago.
He’s entering the final season of his contract.
The Blackhawks are rebuilding and loaded with young defensemen. It makes sense that he could be moved.
He’s reliable, respected, and reasonably priced
He’s been wearing an “A” in Chicago since 2020. Quiet leader, not a spotlight guy.
His contract, $4.4 million, is manageable for a team like Boston.
Especially with the cap as tight as it is. That’s part of what makes him so appealing: there’s no need to overthink it.
He’s played in tough systems, against top lines, and never really gets noticed, and that’s a compliment when you play his role.
He still delivers, even if the numbers don’t jump out
In 68 games this past season, Murphy had two goals and 19 points. Not flashy, again. But look deeper—117 hits, 160 blocked shots.
Those numbers matter. That’s the kind of play Boston counts on in the playoffs.
The type of grit that shows up when it’s 2-1 in the third and you’re protecting a lead.
Bruins will be active, and this kind of move makes sense
Don Sweeney’s not afraid of trades. He’s made plenty over the years that didn’t grab headlines but helped shape the team’s identity.
Connor Murphy won’t trend on social media. But if the Bruins are looking for stability, leadership, and cap certainty, this is the kind of move that makes sense.
If Chicago’s open to dealing, Boston should be listening.
