The Edmonton Oilers’ disappointing first-round playoff exit already led to the firing of head coach Kris Knoblauch, but the organization’s offseason changes may only just be getting started.
With pressure building to make the most of the remaining years on Connor McDavid’s contract, speculation is now growing that the Oilers could consider moving a $74 million defenseman, possibly to a Pacific Division rival.
Pacific Rival Could Target Star Oilers D-Man
Darnell Nurse has come under criticism of late. The blueliner currently has four years remaining on his eight-year, $74 million contract and also holds a no-movement clause, giving him significant control over any potential trade discussions.
Nurse finished the season with 24 points in 82 games along with a minus-12 rating, numbers many felt did not match the expectations tied to his massive contract that carries an annual average value of $9.25 million.
Trade speculation around Nurse had already surfaced ahead of the March deadline, but Edmonton ultimately held onto him. Following the Oilers’ early playoff elimination, however, those rumors have quickly resurfaced.
NHL insider David Pagnotta revealed that Edmonton previously explored trade scenarios involving Nurse before the deadline, including discussions connected to Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly and forward Nicolas Roy before Roy was eventually dealt to the Colorado Avalanche.
Pagnotta also believes the Oilers may continue looking for ways to reshape their blue line this offseason.
“In Edmonton’s side, I’m looking at San Jose as another potential [spot] for Darnell Nurse. They’ve got a lot of money. They want a veteran presence back there. It’s quieter. He can get out of the spotlight. So we’ll see kind of where that goes. I think Edmonton is also going to look to retool their blue line a little bit,” Pagnotta said.
As things stand, the Sharks have precious few defensemen signed to the roster, which makes Nurse an attractive target.
Even so, moving Nurse would be far from simple. His no-movement clause remains active through the 2026-27 season, meaning he would need to approve any deal. Edmonton may also need to retain salary or include additional assets to make a trade work because of the size of his contract.
The Oilers are now entering one of the most important offseasons of the Connor McDavid era, and after another disappointing playoff ending, it appears management is exploring every possible option to reshape the roster.
For now, it remains to be seen whether Edmonton seriously explores moving Nurse, or if the speculation simply becomes another major storyline in what is already shaping up to be a dramatic offseason for the franchise.
