General manager Don Sweeney and head coach Marco Sturm watched a prime trade target vanish Monday as Connor Murphy was shipped to the Oilers.

The veteran right-shot defenseman was long linked to the Boston Bruins, but Edmonton struck first to land the stay-at-home blueliner.

Chicago received a 2028 second-round pick in the deal. The Blackhawks also agreed to retain 50% of Murphy's $4.4 million salary, making the move efficient for a contender.

Missing out on Murphy stings for a Boston backline searching for stability. Over 60 games this season, Murphy recorded 13 points and a team-high 87 blocked shots.

He has been a workhorse for years. Over his NHL career, the 32-year-old has appeared in 805 games while providing exactly the kind of grit Boston lacks.

Connor Murphy, RD, would have been a fine fit on Bruins backline. Round 2 pick fair swap for Oil. Also woud have allowed Bruins tine to assess whether to make Murphy a UFA offer post-season.

The Bruins are currently holding the second wild-card spot with 71 points. Depth on the right side remains the primary concern for the stretch run.

Bruins looking to upgrade at the deadline

Sweeney admitted Monday that he wants to give the roster a "bump" before Friday's 3 p.m. deadline. However, the price for impact players remains steep.

Internal options like Andrew Peeke are reportedly on the block. Peeke has 12 points in 56 games but has recently been a healthy scratch under Sturm.

Losing Murphy to a Stanley Cup rival in the West limits the available market. Other right-shot options are still out there, but the clock is ticking.

Sweeney has been cautious about overpaying for rentals. He made it clear he prefers players with term or those willing to sign an extension.

The failure to land Rasmus Andersson earlier this winter remains a focal point. That deal collapsed over contract talks, leaving a hole on the right side.

Younger assets like Mason Lohrei or prospect Dean Letourneau could be the keys to a bigger splash. Whether Sweeney is willing to move them is the million-dollar question.

The locker room wants help. Stars like David Pastrnak have publicly voiced support for additions as the team prepares for a tough March schedule.

The Bruins host the Penguins tonight at TD Garden. Expect the trade chatter to reach a fever pitch if the defensive structure looks shaky again.