Murphy is a dynamic and shifty defender with some intriguing offensive upside. He plays with a ton of skill, showcasing impressive speed and agility. At the offensive blue line, Murphy is a constant threat, using his great edgework to make defenders miss and break ankles with his sharp movements before powering into open space. He can rip it from the back end as well so the opposition can’t just leave him to his own devices at the top of the zone as he can blow it past the goaltender from range. Murphy’s skating is also his best defensive weapon as he uses his balance and quickness to shake pressure and push up ice. His tiny stature is going to work against him as he progresses to higher levels but if he can continue to build on his talents as an on-puck player it will help mask some of the defensive deficiencies that are inevitable with his size.

Sean Murphy, paired with Mah on the top defense unit, is another exceptional puck-moving defenseman. Although he is one of the smaller players on the ice, he is shifty and skates very well. His excellent edge work stood out, especially in the way he defended the rush. Sean was quick to transition from backwards to forwards and vice versa, contorting his body and often getting down on one leg to block passing lanes and confuse attackers, all while keeping an active stick. Offensively, he loved to skate with the puck, and his shiftiness and quick hands allowed him to enter the zone effortlessly on almost every rush. He also led the powerplay up ice, gaining the zone and setting up plays with ease. Sean moved quickly along the blue line and made great reads, never putting the puck in danger.

The undersized defender showed his agility, smarts, and puck movement which allow him to create off the rush or while commanding the offensive blueline. His size is obviously a limiting factor at this point but I love the finesse of the weighted passes or dump ins to create control. He can shoot against the grain of flow, move pucks before pressure comes in his own zone, and is able to close ground quickly on players at times to poke pucks loose or take away space. The hockey mind and decision making was there during the event but the moments that weren’t as effective simply came from being out muscled or not quite having the reach to break up a rush play. There is loads of potential here though as an offensive-minded play driver.

The undersized defender showed his agility, smarts, and puck movement which allow him to create off the rush or while commanding the offensive blueline. His size is obviously a limiting factor at this point but I love the finesse of the weighted passes or dump ins to create control. He can shoot against the grain of flow, move pucks before pressure comes in his own zone, and is able to close ground quickly on players at times to poke pucks loose or take away space. The hockey mind and decision making was there during the event but the moments that weren’t as effective simply came from being out muscled or not quite having the reach to break up a rush play. There is loads of potential here though as an offensive-minded play driver.