Insider Reveals Blackhawks Defender Is Prized Trade Target

Elliotte Friedman reveals which Chicago Blackhawks defender would be a target for most other teams.

"You don't know what you've got 'till it's gone."

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Those Joni Mitchell lyrics are wise words to live by, especially for the Chicago Blackhawks.

The team finds themselves on the outside looking in despite a promising win against the Western Conference powerhouse Colorado Avalanche. But it's too early in the season to hit the panic button.

That is why potentially trading away a vital defender seems far-fetched. Yet, one insider suggested this.

During his regular appearance on the Oilers Now show with host Bob Stauffer, he discussed some players the Edmonton Oilers might target to bolster their defense group.

"A guy who I think people would take a look at and think, 'does this make sense at all?' would be a guy like Connor Murphy," Friedman revealed to the host. "Last year, there were a lot of teams that were interested in Murphy."

"And he got hurt, and he was out."

Friedman then highlighted what would make a deal difficult to execute.

"Number one, can you make a deal? Number two, can you fit it in?" Friedman pondered. "They know that they have a player there who was wanted last year before he got hurt. They don't have to (do it).

"If you're going to get that deal done now, you're going to have to give them a reason to do it."

Murphy only skated for a meager 46 games for the Blackhawks last year. He recorded eight points while averaging 19:50 of ice time a night.

However, it wouldn't be the end of the world for the Blackhawks to cough up a 31-year-old defender who has another year in his deal after the current season. That extra year on his contract would make the 6-foot-4 righty a pricey commodity for other teams to acquire.

Teams are always looking for good right-handed defensemen. Don't be surprised if you hear more rumors about Murphy as the season progresses.

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