Phoenix Coyotes‘ 1st round pick in the 2011 draft (#30 overall) defenseman Connor Murphy(28) received his first recall only 10 games into his rookie year with minor league affiliate Portland Pirates.
He had yet to produce a goal but did have 5 assists and a +3 rating on a team that was off to a shaky start.
The 6’3″ 190 lbs. never exactly put up big numbers in two campaigns of OHL junior hockey with Sarnia Sting or earlier in his development but possesses all the intangibles that made him a top prospect for the Coyotes.
He was quickly signed to a three year entry level deal that only officially kicked in at the start of this season.
In his NHL debut he scored his first big league goal, the eventual game-winner, skated 29 shifts for 22:32 total ice time (including 1:53 on the penalty kill), had one shot on net, 5 hits and ended the game with a +1. He was somewhat unceremoniously returned to the AHL on the next day to continue his upward progress.
The 20-year old wore number 5, which his dad Gord Murphy wore throughout his pro career.