The Chicago Blackhawks and defenseman Connor Murphy have agreed on a four-year extension that carries an annual average value of $4.4 million.
Murphy, 28, has become the de facto No. 1 defenseman on a Blackhawks team that has not been strong defensively in recent seasons. But Murphy has been a responsible and physical presence on the blue line.
Chicago has made big moves on defense this offseason, trading Adam Boqvist to Columbus for Seth Jones and signing free agent Jake McCabe.
Murphy had three goals and 12 assists in a career-high 22:09 of ice time last season.