Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse skates with the puck during an NHL game, with the Darnell Nurse rumors swirling around him.
The Edmonton Oilers are at a crossroads. After a heartbreaking loss in the Stanley Cup Final, the team is looking for ways to improve and finally get over the hump. And it seems like no player is off the table, not even cornerstone defenseman Darnell Nurse.
The No-Movement Clause That Started it All
According to hockey insider Elliotte Friedman, the Oilers approached every player with a no-movement clause this offseason, including Darnell Nurse, to gauge their willingness to be traded. While Nurse ultimately said no, the fact that the question was even asked is a massive development. It shows that the Oilers are at least open to the idea of moving on from their highest-paid defenseman.
This is a significant shift in thinking from the Oilers’ front office. For years, Nurse has been seen as a key part of the team’s core. But with his massive $9.25 million cap hit, the team is exploring all options to create financial flexibility and improve the roster.
What a Darnell Nurse Trade Could Mean for the Edmonton Oilers
Trading Darnell Nurse would be a massive shakeup for the Oilers. On one hand, it would free up a significant amount of cap space that could be used to address other needs, like acquiring a starting goaltender or adding more scoring depth. On the other hand, it would create a huge hole on the blue line that would be difficult to fill.
Nurse is a unique player. He’s big, physical, and can log huge minutes. But his playoff performance has been inconsistent, and his contract is one of the most expensive in the league for a defenseman.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to trade Darnell Nurse will come down to what the Oilers can get in return. If they can find a trade partner that is willing to give up a significant package of assets, it’s a move they have to consider.
The Darnell Nurse rumors will be one of the biggest storylines to follow as we approach training camp. It’s a situation that could have a major impact on the future of the Edmonton Oilers.
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