Arizona Coyotes Connor Murphy Playing Physical Defense
Arizona Coyotes young defenseman’s game is to be a physical presence
At just 22, young brass defenseman Connor Murphy, who hails from Dublin, Ohio hopes to have a bright future with the Arizona Coyotes. He was drafted 20th overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, and has been making a mark in the NHL as a stay-at-home, hard hitting blue-liner. At 6′ 3″, 190 his presence has been felt by opposing players invading his territory.
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His physical game is outstanding. He’s not afraid of anyone, and challenges top players in the league. When you look at Connor, he almost looks like he just starting shaving a year ago. Some have said he looks like he’s still in high school. But, don’t let looks deceive you. This young man is very serious about playing in the NHL, and playing to the best of his ability.
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Last season he only managed four goals, with three assists, while playing an average of 16:48 minutes a game. He needs to work on shooting more from his right point, as he only took 72 shots, with a 5.6 shooting percentage. That will come with time and experience, and there is nothing but up-side to his game and potential effectiveness, as time passes.
He could be teamed up with new teammate Nicklas Grossmann, making that defensive twosome pretty intimidating seeing that Grossmann comes in at 6′ 4″, 230 lbs.
Murphy is still learning, and Grossmann can take him under his wing and teach him some things to refine his game more. Murphy represented the United States internationally playing for Team USA in the 2011 IIHF World U18 Championships with Team USA. He scored 3 goals and had 1 assists in 6 games during the tournament, including the overtime goal in the gold medal game against Sweden. Perhaps he can gloat about that with his new defensive line-mate, Nicklas Grossmann, who is from Sweden.
Murphy grew up with hockey in his family, and loves the game. Connor Murphy’s father, Gord Murphy was an NHL defenseman for fourteen years for the Philadelphia Flyers, Boston Bruins, Florida Panthers and Atlanta Thrashers. He is currently an assistant coach for the Flyers.
As Connor enters his third season with the Arizona Coyotes, we will all be able to see a young, promising NHL defenseman develop into a qualified, excellent performer for his team.
Here’s how he got his first NHL goal:
The Arizona Coyotes are glad to have him, and he’s glad to be here as well.
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