Connor Murphy destroyed potential future Chicago Blackhawks teammate Quinton Byfield with highlight check

Connor Murphy is one veteran Blackhawks defenseman who wants to stay in Chicago. While Seth Jones pouted his way out of town, Murphy has embraced being a veteran leader.

Although Murphy could be on his way out as he is ranked as the 17th best player potentially available on the trade market according to the Athletic (a subscription is required to access linked content).

If Murphy does stay through Friday's trade deadline, he just laid a massive hit on a potential future teammate.

Murphy absolutely blew up Los Angeles Kings center Quinton Byfield with a textbook highlight open-ice check in the Blackhawks victory last night.

Connor Murphy with a huge hit on Quinton Byfield 😳 pic.twitter.com/SR79Ru0LmW
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) March 4, 2025

Talk about creating a turnover. Murphy just went up to Byfield and figuratively said 'give me that puck.'

Byfield could be a potential Blackhawk as he has been tied to Chicago in a potential trade involving the Kings pursuit of upgrading their top six.

The Kings have been rumored to be interested in getting forward Ryan Donato since he is having a career season. If Byfield is the price, the Kings are reportedly willing to give up their young center according to the LA Times.

Donato's value is reportedly on the rise based on his career goal-scoring season happening mostly in five-on-five situations.

In speaking to sources, there’s plenty of clubs checking in on @NHLBlackhawks pending UFA F Donato. They like his versatility, compete level and price. His 18 even strength goals are more than 3 big name team captains. #HockeyX #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/kCZn0sNL1g
— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) March 3, 2025

Byfield is a big, productive center that could help accelerate the Hawks rebuild.

He has 11 goals and 23 assists this season. He had 20 goals and 35 assists last season.

He is in the first year of a five-year, $31.25 million deal that has a $6.25 salary cap hit.

It could mean the Hawks have to add some draft pick compensation along with Donato to get Byfield, but considering he is locked up through 2029 and fits a major need in the present and future, the Blackhawks should make that deal in a heartbeat.

If he is acquired, you wonder how the first locker room exchange will go between Murphy and Byfield considering the veteran basically did the NBA equivalent of posterizing the young guy. It was just NHL style courtesy of a massive check.

If Murphy does stay through Friday's trade deadline, he just laid a massive hit on a potential future teammate.

Byfield is a big, productive center that could help accelerate the Hawks rebuild.

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