The Edmonton Oilers and defenseman Connor Murphy are closing in on a long-term contract extension, according to reports. The deal is expected to be worth approximately $4 million per year.
The agreement is reportedly similar in structure to the contract signed by Jason Dickinson, which was a five-year deal totaling $20 million with a $4 million average annual value. While the terms for Murphy are not expected to be an exact match to the Dickinson deal, the $4 million figure serves as the primary benchmark for the ongoing negotiations.
Murphy has spent the last seven seasons as a member of the Chicago Blackhawks, where he has been a staple of their defensive unit. A former first-round pick of the Arizona Coyotes in 2011, the 31-year-old right-shot defenseman has appeared in over 670 career NHL games. Throughout his tenure in the league, Murphy has established himself as a physical, defensive-minded player, recording over 1,000 hits and 1,300 blocked shots.
The move to secure Murphy comes as the Oilers look to add veteran experience and size to their defensive rotation. Murphy currently has two years remaining on his existing contract, which carries a $4.4 million cap hit. This new extension would solidify his future with the organization as they manage their long-term salary cap commitments. Final details regarding the official length and total value of the contract are expected to be released once the deal is finalized.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Sources & Original Reporting