Arizona Coyotes Future: Five Young Players To Watch
By Adam Pierce
4. Connor Murphy
Feb 1, 2015; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens goalie Dustin Tokarski (35) and Arizona Coyotes defenseman Connor Murphy (5) watch the puck during the first period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports
Connor Murphy is shaping in to the core defenseman that he was sought out to be when the Coyotes selected him 20th overall in the 2011 NHL Draft. The pairing of Murphy and Campbell has been beneficial post All-Star break and it should not let up any time soon. Murphy has proven that he can run the point and control the blue line time and time again; which is what the Coyotes need with the recent departure of Keith Yandle.
Another key component in Connor Murphy’s game is his physicality. Murphy uses his six foot, three inch stature to lay bodies down on the ice and clear the crease in front of Mike Smith. Murphy is not afraid to engage in a scrap or two either. So far Connor Murphy has tallied three goals and three assists for the Coyotes this season.
Next: Number 3