LONG READ: Defense in Connor Murphy's DNA

There were early indications that Connor Murphy's destiny was to defend.
As a youngster, when he was on the ice and playing forward, Murphy naturally drifted back toward his own blue line to help keep pucks out of his team's net

When he was on the lacrosse field in high school, some of his coaches suggested he shift from midfielder to defender.
"I just know that I hate getting scored on a lot more than anything," the Blackhawks defenseman said. "I'd rather beat someone by frustrating them and not letting them score and maybe getting one or two goals than to have a shootout with a bunch scored either way. I don't like to get scored on."
It makes sense: Defense is in Murphy's DNA.