Veteran Blackhawks Defenseman Close To A Return To The Ice

The Chicago Blackhawks have missed key player Connor Murphy in the lineup. The defenseman hasn't suited up for the Blackhawks since December 31st as a result of a nagging groin injury.

The last time we'd see him on the ice was during the Winter Classic. For all its glitz and glamour it delivered disappointment, with a 6-2 loss.

Murphy was placed on IR retroactive to December 31st.

Since then, the Blackhawks, like last season, have had to call up multiple prospects from Rockford in order to augment the ranks, while players recover on IR.

According to Ben Pope of CST, Murphy feels confident in his ability to play, whereas his doctors feel the exact opposite.

The osteitis pubis troubling him now is the same one that kept him out of the lineup for 38 games last season.

Unfortunately for Murphy, he's been plagued by injuries since he arrived in Chicago and has never played more than 70 games in a season with the Blackhawks.

Murphy was pegged as a trade candidate for the Chicago Blackhawks, but his latest injury could lower his trade value.

He could find himself as a depth defenseman on a contending NHL team, but it's doubtful whether the team would use a retention spot on Murphy's contract.

He stands to make $4.4 million AAV, until 2026, which is respectable for the defenseman who has a 46% XG, and he also has a 46.10 CF rating, which puts him at fourth best on the Blackhawks.

Murphy could be valuable to teams like the Edmonton Oilers, Boston Bruins, Minnesota Wild, and Florida Panthers.

For now, there is no particular timeline for his return to the Blackhawks lineup.

Could the Ohio-born defenseman find a new home in March?