Murphy has registered 20 blocked shots and 23 hits in his last 12 contests.

EDGE Analysis

Murphy will continue to be a physical force for the Blackhawks down the stretch, but his lack of offensive upside -- eight points in 34 appearances this campaign -- will keep him off the radar in most fantasy formats.

Murphy has gone scoreless in his last 12 contests, but he's managed to post a plus-2 rating while averaging 19:40 of ice time over that span.

EDGE Analysis

The Blackhawks are allowing an average of 3.71 goals per game this campaign, good for second worst in the NHL, so the fact that Murphy has managed to register a positive plus-minus rating over the last month in spite of his team's defensive struggles is impressive in and of itself. The 25-year-old blueliner will look to keep chugging along when Chicago returns to action next Friday against the Sabres.

Murphy scored a goal and added an assist Sunday in a 6-3 loss to the Panthers.

EDGE Analysis

Murphy has registered points in his last three games, scoring once and adding three assists over that span. The 25-year-old has been limited to nine games this season but does have 5 points in those contests. While he's enjoyed a hot start to his season, Murphy's fantasy value is compromised by the fact that he rarely, if ever, gets to play with the man advantage.

The Blackhawks activated Murphy (back) off injured reserve Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Murphy has yet to play this season due to a back injury, so the Blackhawks will likely limit his minutes over the next few contests to allow him to get up to speed before handing him a full workload. The American blueliner's return to action will undoubtedly help shore up Chicago's leaky defense, but it will likely go unnoticed in most fantasy circles, as he's only totaled 31 points in 153 games over the past two seasons.

Murphy (back) will travel with the Blackhawks on their upcoming two-game road trip, but he won't dress for either contest, Eric Lear of the Blackhawks' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Murphy has been practicing with the team lately and is clearly close to making his season debut, but he'll have to wait for Sunday's matchup with Montreal for his first opportunity to do so. The 25-year-old American's impending return should help shore up the Blackhawks' leaky defense, but it will undoubtedly go unnoticed by the bulk of fantasy owners, as he's only totaled 31 points in 153 appearances over the past two campaigns.

Murphy (back) has not yet been cleared for contact and remains "a week or so away" from returning to game action, Scott Powers of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Murphy has yet to play a game this season and considering the 25-year-old has only managed 63 points in 334 career games, it's probably best to avoid hitching your fantasy wagon to the Dublin, Ohio native when he returns to the lineup.

According to coach Jeremy Colliton, Murphy (back) is still "weeks" away from returning to the lineup, Scott Powers of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Murphy has been skating on his own recently, but he has yet to return to practice with his teammates, which suggests he's likely still a ways away from being cleared for contact. The 25-year-old blueliner won't appear on many fantasy rosters, as he's only totaled 34 points in 155 appearances over the past two campaigns, but his eventual return should help solidify a leaky Blackhawks defense that's currently surrendering 3.40 goals per game, 28th in the NHL.

Murphy (back) skated on his own prior to Tuesday's practice, Tracey Myers of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Murphy's definitely trending in the right direction, but he'll likely need to log several full practices with his teammates before rejoining the lineup. The 25-year-old blueliner hasn't tasted game action since last season, so the Blackhawks may opt to send him on a conditioning stint to get him up to speed once he's been given a clean bill of health.

Murphy (back) did some stick work on the ice ahead of Thursday's practice session, Tracey Myers of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Murphy didn't join the team for practice, nor was he even in full gear while getting on the ice, so it seems he is unlikely to be cleared to return in the short term. Once the blueliner is given the green light to return to action, he will probably be sent down to the minors to work on getting back up to speed.

The Blackhawks placed Murphy (back) on injured reserve Wednesday, Tracey Myers of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Murphy is expected to be sidelined until mid-November at a minimum, so this move hardly comes as a surprise. His prolonged absence will test the Blackhawks' depth at defense, but it won't impact many fantasy lineups, as his lack of offensive upside keeps him off the radar in most formats.