One of the biggest “what if” stories of the NHL offseason continues to generate debate after fresh comments from a Bruins insider.
While many fans questioned whether the rumored blockbuster between the Boston Bruins and Edmonton Oilers was ever real, those close to the situation insist the deal came much closer than most people realize.
Bruins Insider Revisits Near Oilers Blockbuster
The proposed trade would have sent Darnell Nurse and his $9.25 million cap hit through the 2029-30 season to the Bruins. In return, the Oilers would have acquired Nikita Zadorov, who carries a more manageable $5 million cap hit.
According to reports, Nurse was willing to waive his trade protection to join Boston. Zadorov, however, chose to remain with the Bruins, using his modified no-trade clause to block the move. Whether his decision was based on wanting to stay in Boston or avoiding a return to the Canadian market, the trade never moved forward.
Although some fans questioned whether the deal was ever real, Bruins insider Jimmy Murphy insists it absolutely was. “The amount of delusional Bruins fans that still think this never happened is hilarious! You act like Zadorov is the second coming of Chara. Seriously, you act like a certain political cult that refuses to believe facts. Be better,” Murphy said.
After one fan argued that trading Zadorov for Nurse would not have made Boston a better team, Murphy responded that he actually agreed with that opinion. “I don’t necessarily disagree, but that doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. Just because people don’t like something, doesn’t mean it’s not true,” Murphy added.
Why Zadorov Was in the Deal
Boston’s willingness to explore the move isn’t entirely surprising. The Bruins entered the offseason with a heavy surplus of defensemen. With young blueliners like Mason Lohrei pushing for more ice time and the team needing to free up assets to pursue a top-tier center, Boston has been widely expected to move one of their veteran defensemen.
Zadorov, a physical top-four defenseman on a reasonable contract, was viewed as one of Boston’s most valuable trade chips.
Ultimately, the failed Bruins trade paved the way for the Oilers to construct a different deal. Edmonton eventually dealt Darnell Nurse to the San Jose Sharks, who took on his entire $9.25 million cap hit without the Oilers retaining any salary. In return, Edmonton acquired defenseman Shakir Mukhamadullin and the rights to prospect Zachary Sharp.
That move gave the Oilers significant financial flexibility, allowing general manager Stan Bowman to strengthen the roster with several offseason additions and contract extensions.
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Meanwhile, Zadorov remains in Boston, where he is expected to play a key role on the Bruins’ blue line heading into the 2026-27 season.
