Yup. That works

I think the Leafs would say yes to this trade every day of the week. Murphy would be a great fit as the shut down top pairing RD that the leafs have been looking for, for so long. I think Chicago would be able to get more out of Toronto for him than Connor Brown, maybe a 2nd rounder and another pick could make the trade work. Or Kapanen for Murphy straight up? I love Kapanen as a player but if it means adding a guy like Murphy the Leafs might not be able to pass that up.

Murphy would be a good player for Toronto, it's hard to judge the value of a stay at home D man because it's not about the points as much as the defensive positioning they provide.

I think Murphy is an inconsistent but very promising shut-down d-man that works hard.

I think Brown is an inconsistent but very promising scoring winger that works hard.

Even if the Leafs added a bit to offset the winger-RHD balance or if $$ is retained so it's even cap hits being exchanged...I think the framework of a good hockey deal is there

Is Murphy really 3.8m good? I don't know. Four years is a big commitment for a team looking at a tight cap. Is Carrick or Ozzy near as good and much cheaper?
Pigeont4thLiner: If he was really a show down pairing RHD would the Hawks be trading him?

Blackhawks fan here -- I think this works for us as well. We have a glut of mid-tier defensemen and are right up against the cap. In return, we'll get a solid, middle 6 winger. Good trade

He might just not be a good fit here. Quenneville is extra particular about his D men (probably a big reason why they drafted two in the 1st round), but Murphy hasn't been paired with good players. Gustafsson? Meh. I think Murphy is a good fit in Toronto, similar to Ron Hainsey. Except he's 25, and right handed.

Agreed, that's why it would be hard to trade him for the flashy forward like Kapanen. Completely different players with different jobs. Kapanen can skate like the wind, kill penalties, plays all 200 feet of the ice, things like this will also increase a players value, like you said its not all about points and though Kapanen has the potential to produce offensively, he does alot of other things well and could probably play on any line for the Hawks. Murphy would fill the obvious role of the right handed stay at home D to play with Rielly or Gardiner for this year at least.

That's why I didn't bother with Kapanen. I traded for Brown instead.

I dont understand what your asking, i think he's a solid shut down RHD that is definately an upgrade over Carrick and he would be a great fit to play with Gardiner or Rielly. Obviously Chicago and Toronto are heading into different directions that's another reason why i think a change of scenery for both players could work here.

If they thought Zaitsev was $4.5m good after his first year...I think there's an argument that Murphy is $3.8m good...especially if he establishes himself as a top-4 dman.