Scribe Floats Trade That Could Land Oilers No. 2 Pick

Mark Lazerus of The Athletic took a look at what options might be on the table for the San Jose Sharks, who got a win of their own at the NHL Draft lottery, moving up to select second overall. With a clear positional need on defense, the Sharks are also in a position where they could trade the No. 2 pick for immediate help.

---

That’s where a team like the Edmonton Oilers comes in, an organization Lazerus believes has a piece that the Sharks might have an interest in.

Lazerus writes:

“With so many teams looking to add this summer, it opens the door to some blockbuster trades. If Dallas’ Jim Nill is wary of giving RFA Jason Robertson a cap hit similar to Mikko Rantanen’s $12-million one, would he be willing to part with a 26-year-old three-time 40-goal scorer for the No. 2 pick, a chance to replenish his prospect pool after years of win-now trades? Are St. Louis’ Robert Thomas or Toronto’s Matthew Knies really available? Could Edmonton’s Darnell Nurse be had?”

It’s that last sentence that is the most intriguing.

It’s surprising that Nurse is mentioned here, given the way most Oilers fans view the defenseman. He’s a polarizing figure considering his $9.25 million salary. It’s the type of contract most analysts believe the Oilers would love to get off their books. As such, any suggestion that the No. 2 overal selection could be had for the contract is a scenario the Oilers would immediately jump at.

One commenter on the article wrote, “Threw Darnell Nurse in there like Edmonton wouldn’t have to pay a huge price to get rid of him. It’s the worst contract in the NHL but somehow it’s in the mix for #2 overall? Cmon.” Another responded as if to pretend he was the Oilers and there are no take-backs…

“Dear Mr. Grier,

We accept this article as an official trade proposal. Thank you. We’ve already signed the paperwork and sent it your way, Please sign as well, then fax to league offices for official registration. Thanks for helping your former team out.

Kind regards,
The Edmonton Oilers”

It was obvious by the comments section that the Sharks shouldn’t consider a trade like this and if the Oilers were somehow lucky enough to have it land in their lap, to immediately sign off.

The issue, however, is that Nurse maintains a full no-move clause. He’d have to want to join the Sharks.

So too, the Oilers would need to send a lot more than Nurse the other way to make any deal like this remotely realistic.

Next: NHL Trade Talk Recap: Maple Leafs, Canucks & Oilers Big Changes