NEWSLETTER
What a week in Chicago for people named Connor! First, the Blackhawks win the NHL Draft Lottery on Monday night giving them the first overall selection and generational talent Connor Bedard. Then today, Connor Murphy earned the Blackhawks’ nomination for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy!
Ok, I get it if Hawks fans aren’t quite as excited about today’s Connor-related news, but it’s still a very cool honor for Murphy to pick up
The King Clancy Memorial Trophy is awarded each year to “the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community.” This is the second straight year Murphy is the Blackhawks’ nominee.
There’s no one on the Blackhawks roster that better exemplifies those qualifications. Murphy has been a fantastic locker room leader on and off the ice for the Blackhawks during their rebuild, and will likely be given a chance to continue to lead during the Bedard Era.
Each of the 32 nominees are selected by their respective teams, which means Murphy’s leadership on the ice, in the locker room, and as a member of the community hasn’t gone unnoticed. The winner will be chosen by a committee of NHL executives led by Commissioner Gary Bettman and Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly.
The winner receives a $25,000 donation to the charity or charities of their choice, while the two runners-up will get a $5,000 donation to a charity or charities of their choice.
So congrats to Connor Murphy on this well-earned award. Hopefully, after a few tough seasons, he’ll be around to reap the benefits of playing with Connor Bedard and the next wave of young, core talent. He’s earned it!
