A Hockey Legend's Twilight? Connor Murphy's Ice Time Plunges in Likely Final Blackhawks Season
Remember when Connor Murphy dominated the ice, logging over 22 minutes a game as a cornerstone of the Blackhawks defense? That was just four years ago. Fast forward to today, and the veteran defenseman finds himself on the fringes, his playing time dwindling to a career-low 8:30 in a recent loss to Seattle. And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about minutes; it's about a changing of the guard, a youth movement that's leaving Murphy, the team's longest-tenured player, in its wake.
This dramatic shift raises questions about Murphy's future with the team. While he gracefully accepts his reduced role, acknowledging the talent of his younger teammates, the writing seems to be on the wall. His contract expires this season, and with the trade deadline looming, his name could be in the rumor mill if he can stay healthy and maintain some value.
But here's where it gets controversial: Is this the right move for the Blackhawks? While the rise of young stars like Artyom Levshunov is undeniable, does the team truly benefit from jettisoning a seasoned leader like Murphy? His experience and locker room presence could be invaluable to a team still finding its footing.
Murphy's decline isn't solely due to age. A lingering groin condition, osteitis pubis, has sidelined him for significant stretches in recent years. However, he insists it's not currently affecting his play. The real issue might be his playing style. His lack of speed and agility doesn't mesh well with coach Jeff Blashill's aggressive system, leading to struggles on the ice. The Hawks have been outscored 5-2 during his five-on-five ice time, with a concerning 38.9% scoring-chance ratio.
Blashill acknowledges Murphy's contributions, praising his leadership and past performance. He attributes the fluctuating ice time to the team's depth, stating that some nights other defensemen simply outplay him. The seven-defensemen lineup strategy, partially implemented to protect Levshunov, further complicates Murphy's situation. As Levshunov improves, the need for this strategy diminishes, leaving Murphy even further down the pecking order.
What do you think? Is it time for the Blackhawks to move on from Connor Murphy, or does he still have a role to play in the team's future? Let us know in the comments below.
