The Edmonton Oilers have found some consistency late in the season, winning three straight games and climbing to second place in the Pacific Division.
But even as they push toward another playoff run, offseason trade speculation is already beginning to swirl, and defenseman Darnell Nurse is once again at the center of it.
Are the San Jose Sharks a Potential Trade Partner for Darnell Nurse?
Nurse is currently in the fourth year of his eight-year, $74 million contract, and his performance this season has drawn scrutiny. The veteran blueliner has recorded 21 points in 74 games, along with a minus-17 rating. He’s also been charged with 81 giveaways, numbers that have fueled debate about his role moving forward.
His name surfaced in trade discussions ahead of the March 6 deadline, but no deal materialized. Still, the chatter hasn’t gone away, and it may intensify once the offseason begins.
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According to NHL insider David Pagnotta, the San Jose Sharks could emerge as a potential trade partner. Pagnotta noted that San Jose is expected to be aggressive in both free agency and the trade market as it looks to add veteran help on the blue line.
“This is going to be a team that’s going to be aggressive not only in free agency but in the trade market as well…” Pagnotta said.
“I could see them looking at two pieces that I wouldn’t be surprised their two teams reach out to San Jose about and we’ve heard their names pop up going into deadline and whatnot. Morgan Rielly in Toronto, Darnell Nurse in Edmonton, among others.”
Pagnotta added that he wouldn’t be surprised if teams made inquiries to the San Jose Sharks, “because the Sharks are looking to bring in a veteran piece on that back end, along with long like longer term type of pieces.”
Any move, however, would be complicated. Nurse holds a full no-movement clause through the 2026-27 season, meaning he would need to approve any trade. His sizable contract could also force Edmonton to retain salary or attach additional assets to complete a deal.
Despite the trade rumors, the Oilers remain locked in on the present. After back-to-back Stanley Cup Final losses to the Florida Panthers, Edmonton is once again positioning itself for a deep postseason push.
For now, trade talk will likely take a back seat as the Oilers continue their stretch run. Edmonton’s next test comes Tuesday against the Seattle Kraken, but once the offseason arrives, the Nurse situation could quickly return to the spotlight.
