Coyotes Sign 2011 First Round Pick Connor Murphy to Entry Level Contract

Press Release

GLENDALE, ARIZONA – Phoenix Coyotes General Manager Don Maloney announced today that the Coyotes have signed defenseman Connor Murphy to an entry level contract. As per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“We are happy to sign Connor to an entry level contract,” Maloney said. “He is a terrific talent and we look forward to seeing him in a Coyotes uniform in the future.”

The 6-foot-3, 195-pound Murphy recorded 3-1-4 in just 11 games due to injury from 2009-2011 with the United States National U-18 Team. Before moving to Ann Arbor, Mich., to play for the U.S. NTDP, he appeared in 35 games with the Columbus Jr. Blue Jackets, recording 7-11-18.

The 18-year old native of Boston, Mass., led all U.S. defensemen with three goals and a plus-seven rating in six games at the 2011 IIHF U-18 World Championship. He was named Player of the Game after he scored the gold-medal winning overtime goal, his second of the game, helping Team USA defeat Team Sweden 4-3.

Murphy was selected by the Coyotes in the first round (20th overall) of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)