Could the Oilers Fetch a Better Return for Darnell Nurse Than Expected?

Darnell Nurse has always been a polarizing player among the Edmonton Oilers fanbase, and that has at times led to a negative narrative following him around as an overpaid liability on the blueline.

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Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and while Nurse undoubtedly has his ups and downs, he’s not nearly as bad as some make him out to be. Because of that, it may come as a surprise to see what the longtime Oiler could fetch on the trade market this summer, and David Staples of the Edmonton Journal appears to be in that camp.

He believes Nurse will bring value in any return package, with the potential to turn things around, given a fresh start.

Staples wrote:

“I’m starting to think it’s a distinct possibility the Oilers will be able to get something of value in return for Nurse and won’t have to swallow much of a poison pill in terms of salary retention, maybe not anything at all.

For a team that has failed to make the playoffs in some time, a team with ample cap space and major holes on defence, a team in need of a big, tough, fierce and able two-way defender, Nurse is a solid bet. He could be a valuable piece in the surge of one team or another. And a fresh start in a new city might be just what he needs to ignite his career once again. I can see a market for Nurse, with multiple teams interested. I can also see one or two of these teams being a good fit for Nurse,”

The 31-year-old Nurse has four years remaining on the eight-year, $74 million extension he signed with the Oilers back in 2021. This upcoming 2026-27 season is the final year in which he holds a full no-movement clause.

We’ve heard the San Jose Sharks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Detroit Red Wings among the teams linked to Nurse, and there are likely others with interest that simply haven’t surfaced publicly yet.

It remains to be seen whether Edmonton actually moves Nurse, but if they do, don’t be surprised to see the Oilers land some real value in a deal.

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