Finding Connor Murphy’s best fit within the Blackhawks’ lineup

Connor Murphy of the Chicago Blackhawks controls the puck during a game against the Dallas StarsConnor Murphy remains one of the most important members of the Chicago Blackhawks’ blue line, having just wrapped up his fifth season with the team — the longest tenure of any Chicago defensemen.

He also remains one of the best defensive-minded members of the roster, with only two players — Seth Jones and Henrik Borgstrom — ending the season with a better expected defensive goals above replacement mark.

But he can’t do it all by himself.

With a 37.04 offensive zone start percentage in 2021-22 in his average 5-on-5 ice time of 18:21, Murphy carried a large share of the defensive burden. It caused a…