Bruins Should Target 17.6M Defenseman as Carlo Replacement

The Bruins are facing a major defensive hole after sending Brandon Carlo to Toronto at the trade deadline. It’s left them seriously short-handed on the right side of their defense – and they know they need to fix it fast.

Free agency might look tempting. There’s Aaron Ekblad, Dante Fabbro, even veteran Brent Burns or Cody Ceci up for grabs. But each comes with their own baggage – whether it’s age, money, or just not being the right fit.

That’s why the trade market might be Boston’s best bet. And there’s one name that keeps coming up: Connor Murphy from the Chicago Blackhawks.

Murphy isn’t the kind of player who makes highlight reels. But that’s exactly what makes him perfect for Boston right now.

At 6-foot-4, the right-handed defenseman keeps things simple. He blocks shots. He hits. He stays home. That’s his game.

The Bruins desperately need someone who can eat up tough minutes without trying to be too fancy – and that’s been Murphy’s bread and butter in Chicago for years.

Here’s what makes this interesting: Murphy’s entering the final year of his contract. The Blackhawks are rebuilding and have plenty of young defensemen in their system. It’s the perfect storm for a trade.

He’s been wearing an "A" on his jersey in Chicago since 2020. That tells you everything about his leadership style – quiet, steady, gets the job done.

The money works too. His $4.4 million contract wouldn’t break Boston’s bank, which is huge considering how tight the salary cap is these days.

Last season’s numbers tell the story: 2 goals and 19 points in 68 games. Not exactly setting the world on fire, right?

But dig deeper. 117 hits. 160 blocked shots. That’s the kind of gritty play that wins playoff games.

It’s the difference-maker when you’re protecting a one-goal lead late in the third period of a crucial game.

Don Sweeney, Boston’s GM, has a history of making these under-the-radar moves that end up strengthening the team’s core. Murphy fits that mold perfectly.

No, trading for Connor Murphy wouldn’t break the internet. But for a Bruins team looking for stability, leadership, and smart cap management? It makes all kinds of sense.

If Chicago’s willing to talk, Boston should definitely pick up the phone.