Edmonton Threw $20.5 Million At A 33-Year-Old Defender, And The Pacific Division Is Already Noticing

Alright, Seattle! You hear about this? Our rivals up north, the Edmonton Oilers, just shelled out some serious cash, locking up veteran defenseman Connor Murphy with a five-year, $20.5 million contract. Five years! Twenty-point-five million! For a guy who's already 33 years old. This isn't just another signing, folks. This is a massive commitment, setting the tone for how competitive the Pacific Division will be. You know the Kraken front office is dissecting every detail.

A Veteran Bet With Big Money

So, who exactly is Connor Murphy, and why did the Oilers decide he was worth such a long-term, high-dollar commitment? This guy's a seasoned pro. He's been around the block, playing 825 career games with the Coyotes and Blackhawks before landing in Edmonton via a March 2 trade this past season. His career numbers show he can contribute, with 177 points, including 48 goals and 129 assists, plus 560 penalty minutes. But let's look at his recent form, because that's what makes this deal truly stand out. After joining the Oilers, Murphy played 20 games and registered four points. For the entire 2025-26 season, across his time with both Chicago and Edmonton, he tallied 17 points (five goals, 12 assists) over 80 games. Committing five years and $20.5 million to a 33-year-old coming off those numbers? That's a bold play, making a huge bet on veteran presence.

Oilers Are Signaling Their Intentions

And here's the real kicker: this isn't just a one-off. The ink on Murphy's deal

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was barely dry when we remembered that just one day before, Edmonton also snagged forward Jason Dickinson on a five-year, $20 million contract. What's the message here, Emerald City? It sure looks like the Oilers are on an aggressive campaign to lock down their roster, splashing serious cash on veteran talent. They're making a clear statement, saying they're all-in with these guys for the long haul, shaping their team with major long-term commitments this offseason. For us Kraken fans, this is more than just another rival team signing. It's about understanding how the Pacific Division landscape is being shaped for the upcoming season. When a team like Edmonton commits over $40 million to two veterans in back-to-back days, it signals their intent to be a major force. It raises the stakes for every other team preparing for the battles ahead in our division. Moves like this definitely catch your eye as we look toward next season. So, the Oilers are making their plays, betting big on experience and long-term commitments. While we're out here at T-Mobile Park watching Julio Rodriguez crush dingers, or at Lumen Field cheering on Sam Darnold and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, we still keep an eye on what our hockey rivals are doing. These aren't just contract signings; these are strategic chess moves in a highly competitive division, setting the table for the battles to come. What do you think, Seattle? Are the Oilers building a contender, or are they playing a dangerous game with their future? One thing's for sure: we'll be watching every puck drop and every rivalry game with even more intensity now. Go Kraken!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.