Few players become as closely tied to a franchise as Darnell Nurse did during his years in Edmonton. Alongside Leon Draisaitl, he helped shape the Oilers’ identity through playoff runs, milestone moments, and countless battles on the ice.
That chapter officially came to an end this week, and while the trade made headlines across the NHL, it was the personal reactions from those closest to Nurse that captured fans’ attention.
Leon Draisaitl’s Tribute Brings Emotional Reply From Darnell Nurse’s Wife
The blockbuster deal officially sent Nurse to the San Jose Sharks, ending his 12-year run with the Oilers. Edmonton moved the remaining four years of his $9.25 million annual cap hit without retaining any salary, acquiring young defenseman Shakir Mukhamadullin and prospect Zack Sharp while creating valuable financial flexibility for the roster.
Shortly after the trade became official, Draisaitl took to Instagram to honor one of his closest teammates. Alongside a collection of photos spanning their friendship, he wrote, “What a teammate. What a friend. What a family! Not enough great things to say about you #25!”
One image featured Draisaitl and Nurse during the 2023 Heritage Classic against the Calgary Flames, another showed the two buddies together at a summer gathering with Draisaitl’s wife, Celeste Desjardins, and Nurse’s wife, Mikayla. A third photo included Connor McDavid, highlighting the tight-knit bond shared by Edmonton’s longtime core.
Mikayla Nurse responded beneath the post with a simple but meaningful message, writing, “Familia forever🤍.”
Though only two words, the comment showed years of friendship between the players and their families.
Nurse Leaves Behind A Lasting Legacy In Edmonton
Nurse’s departure closes the book on one of the longest careers by an Oilers defenseman in recent memory. Selected 7th overall in the 2013 NHL Draft, he developed into the team’s top-pair blueliner, earning a reputation for heavy minutes, physical play, and dependable leadership during Edmonton’s rise into a championship contender.
His strongest individual season came in 2020-21, when he scored 16 goals in 56 games and finished 7th in Norris Trophy voting. That performance led to an 8-year, $74 million contract, but it also brought heightened expectations as every mistake became tied to his salary.
DON’T MISS: Connor McDavid’s Wife Pens a Message as Oilers Trade Darnell Nurse
Even through that scrutiny, Nurse remained an alternate captain and played a major role during Edmonton’s consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearances in 2024 and 2025.
With a fresh start now awaiting him in San Jose, Nurse joins a rebuilding Sharks team looking to add veteran stability to its young defense. Meanwhile, the Oilers gain the cap space needed to continue building around McDavid and Draisaitl.
