Is Darnell Nurse Staying After What New Oilers Assoc. Coach D.J Smith Said?

Edmonton Oilers fans are awaiting news on a Darnell Nurse trade, but there was a little wrinkle thrown into the conversation on Tuesday as new Oilers associate coach D.J. Smith sang the praises of the polarizing defenseman. Coming in with fresh eyes and a positive attitude, Smith seemed eager at the opportunity to coach Nurse, should a trade not materialize.

One has to wonder if that changes the optics of a deal and if the Oilers or Nurse aren’t as quick to finalize something that felt like an inevitability.

---

Smith said while speaking with Jason Gregor of Sports 1440:

“I think with his length and athleticism, he can be an elite penalty killer in this league. I coached him at the Worlds, and we had a 93% kill and net 100%, and he was the first guy out the door. I like to be aggressive, and he hasn’t really played that system (In EDM). He’s been more of a sit at the net and make reads kind of play.”

Smith is set to take over the defense for the Oilers as Paul Coffey will not be returning to the bench next season. If he’s excited about coaching Nurse, would that mean Nurse might rethink asking for his trade?

“It’s not my business if he returns or not. That is his family and Stan’s, but I would certainly welcome him back,” Smith added.

According to Gregor, there has been no real movement on Nurse trade front. He posted that the Oilers have spoken with the short list of teams, but they are in a waiting period. “Things can change quickly at the draft or if other moves are made.”

What’s Going to Happen with Darnell Nurse?

Nurse has given Edmonton a list of four teams. It’s believed the Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Boston Bruins are three of the four. There’s also been talk that the Anaheim Ducks are interested, even though Nurse’s preference would be to go out east.

Gregor notes, “It was interesting listening to D.J. Smith talk about Nurse. He coached him at the Worlds and was very complimentary of his play. Oilers won’t just give Nurse away if deal isn’t a good one for the organization. I wonder if Nurse might have to expand his list to make deal more likely.”

If a deal doesn’t come to the Oilers’ liking, is it too late to walk everything back? Could the organization and Nurse find a way to repair this relationship? The new coaching staff seems to be good with it.

Next: The NHL Trade Market Is On Fire — And the Canucks Can’t Just Watch