The Dennis A. Murphy Trophy was presented annually to the World Hockey Association's best defenceman. It was named in honour of WHA co-founder Dennis Murphy. Winners 1973 – J. C. Tremblay, Quebec Nordiques 1974 – Pat Stapleton, Chicago Cougars 1975 – J. C. Tremblay, Quebec Nordiques 1976 – Paul Shmyr, Cleveland Crusaders 1977 – Ron Plumb, Cincinnati Stingers 1978 – Lars-Erik Sjoberg, Winnipeg Jets 1979 – Rick Ley, New England Whalers World Hockey Association trophies and awards