Observations:

June 2015- It was a up and down season for Connor Murphy, his first full year in the NHL. While possessing offensive upside, he received almost no power play time in 2014-15, putting up four goals and seven points in 73 games. Murphy found himself all over the depth chart, at times a top pairing defenseman and others a healthy scratch. He averaged 16:48 per game, actually less than 2013-14 where he finished at 17:59. His minus -27 was one of the worst in the NHL but a lot of that was due to playing on a young struggling Coyotes unit. Murphy honed his game in other area's, one of the team leaders at 137 hits and his 147 blocked shots was 26th in the NHL. At the end of the season he got to represent team USA in the World Championship for a second year in a row. Murphy played a big role on the young squad, winning a surprising bronze medal. Keith Duggan

October 2014- A very excited Connor Murphy has made the Arizona Coyotes opening night roster. He most likely won't get much power play time this season, but look for him to be a mainstay on the Coyotes blueline. Keith Duggan

April 2014- After a fantastic but most importantly healthy rookie pro season, Murphy has been named to Team U.S.A.'s roster for next months World Championship in Minsk, Belarus. He split this season between Phoenix and Portland of the AHL displaying a strong all around game at both levels, at times spending time with Portland because the Coyotes had too many defenseman and he did not have to be exposed to waivers to be sent down. Its hard to imagine him not being a full-time NHLer in 2014-15. Keith Duggan

January 2014 – On January 27^th Murphy was recalled back to the Coyotes.  Murphy confided indicating, ”It was great to go down to the AHL, play some games and get my confidence back”. Keith Duggan

January 2014 – On Sunday January 12^th, defenseman Connor Murphy was assigned to Portland of the AHL. Since making his NHL debut on Nov. 16^th the 20 year-old has chipped in eight points (one goal, seven assists) and a plus-3. With the team starting to return to full health on the blueline and them needing some depth on the wings, Murphy was sent down because he does not have to be exposed to waivers. Murphy was playing heavy minutes already and it’s hard to imagine him staying down there for long. Keith Duggan

November 2013 – After a great start to his first pro season in Portland of the AHL with four assists in 10 games, Murphy was recalled to Phoenix on November 16th. It was a little surprising he was recalled over top defensive prospect Brandon Gormley but Murphy had a fantastic NHL debut game. He scored on his first career shot and did not look out of place playing 22:32 minutes. With Phoenix dealing with some injuries to their blue line at the moment, he will play a few more games with the Coyotes then probably end up back in Portland when the defense core is healthy again this season. Murphy's main knock against him the last few years has been staying healthy. Keith Duggan

June 2013 –  For the second straight season, Connor Murphy missed significant time due to injury. Murphy was among the OHL's best defensemen prior to injuring his knee and missing the second half of the season. Injury concerns are certainly huge red flags but when this mobile, puck moving defenseman is in the lineup, he really controls the play. Playing for the Sarnia Sting, Murphy tallied six goals and 19 points in 33 games played. Look for Coyotes' 2011 1st round selection to make the leap to the professional leagues (AHL) for the 2013-14 season. Brendan Ross

December 2012 – Murphy was named to the final squad that will represent the U.S. at the WJC in Ufa, Russia. Rich Dillon

December 2012 – Connor Murphy was one of the 27 American players named to the USA preliminary roster for the upcoming 2013 World Junior Championships. Brendan Ross

November 2012 – Murphy hasperformed solidly in his first few months of his sophomore OHL campaign.  Sarnia relies heavily on this big two-way defenseman as their top defensemen and the extra minutes will surely help his development. He remains a solid prospect with good upside but would definitely improve his value if he implemented a more physical element to his game making him harder to play against. Murphy should receive consideration for USA's 2013 World Junior squad this winter.  Brendan Ross

January 2012 – The son of former NHL defenseman Gord Murphy, Connor was selected in the first round of the 2011 NHL Draft, nine rounds earlier than his father. At six-foot-three, Connor is a towering defenseman but comes with several serious injuries already in his young career.  Phoenix clearly liked his potential as Murphy has good offensive instincts and is a stabilizing presence in the defensive zone.  Murphy has good speed but could improve his lateral mobility to improve his effectiveness.  Limited to just 24 games in 2010-11 and missing half of Sarnia’s 2011-12 due to a knee injury, Murphy is further behind in his development than his draft mates. Brendan Ross

Fantasy Outlook:   B

Murphy has the tools to become a top four defenseman at the NHL level and contribute offensively (30-40 points). 

Footage:

Connor Murphy's first NHL goal

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