Murphy began his professional career in 1980 with the Los Angeles Kings. He quickly established himself as one of the best defensemen in the league, earning a spot on the NHL All-Rookie Team in 1981. He was traded to the Washington Capitals in 1982 and continued to excel, earning his first All-Star selection in 1983.
In 1984, Murphy was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he would spend the next seven seasons. During this time, he was a key contributor to the Penguins' back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 1991 and 1992. He was also named to the NHL All-Star Team in 1991 and 1992.
In 1995, Murphy was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he spent the next three seasons. He was named to the NHL All-Star Team in 1996 and 1997.
In 1998, Murphy signed with the Detroit Red Wings, where he would spend the remainder of his career. He was a key contributor to the Red Wings' Stanley Cup championship in 1998 and was named to the NHL All-Star Team in 1999.
Murphy retired in 2001 after 21 seasons in the NHL. He finished his career with 1,216 points (240 goals, 976 assists) in 1,615 games, making him the highest-scoring defenseman in NHL history at the time. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2004.
Murphy's career accomplishments make him one of the greatest defensemen in NHL history. He was a four-time Stanley Cup champion, two-time Olympic gold medalist, and a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame. He was also the highest-scoring defenseman in NHL history at the time of his retirement.
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