The Edmonton Oilers continue to explore the trade market involving Darnell Nurse, but according to Oilers insider Bob Stauffer, there is no certainty that a deal ultimately gets across the finish line.
Speaking on Oilers Now on June 24, Stauffer cautioned fans against assuming a trade is inevitable. While speculation surrounding Nurse has intensified over the past several weeks, he emphasized there is “no guarantee” the veteran defenceman is moved this offseason.
That said, if Edmonton does find a trade partner, Stauffer outlined what he believes the organization’s preferred blueprint would look like.
Oilers Looking to Reallocate Salary
Rather than simply shedding Nurse’s contract, Stauffer believes Edmonton would prefer to reallocate the money to better balance its roster.
According to Stauffer, the ideal return would see the Oilers acquire a forward carrying roughly a $7 million cap hit. With Nurse’s departure creating additional flexibility, Edmonton could then use the remaining cap space to sign or trade for a hard-nosed, left-shot defenceman in the $2-3 million range.
The strategy would effectively spread Nurse’s $9.25 million cap hit across two players, addressing two separate needs instead of relying on one expensive defenceman.
Adding another top-six caliber forward has been discussed as one of Edmonton’s priorities this summer, particularly with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl needing more offensive support beyond the team’s core. At the same time, management has consistently emphasized the importance of maintaining a physical presence on the blue line.
A more affordable shutdown defenceman capable of handling defensive-zone starts and penalty-killing duties could help offset Nurse’s departure while allowing the Oilers to become deeper throughout the lineup.
LeBrun: Nurse Trade Is Edmonton’s Top Priority
While Stauffer remains cautious about whether a trade actually materializes, TSN insider Pierre LeBrun indicated the Oilers are doing everything they can to make it happen.
During his recent appearance on TSN Hockey LeBrun stated that Edmonton is working aggressively on the trade market and that moving Nurse has become the organization’s No. 1 priority this offseason. That doesn’t necessarily mean a trade is imminent.
Nurse owns a full no-movement clause, giving him complete control over his future. Even if Edmonton identifies a willing trade partner, the 31-year-old would still need to approve the destination. That reality significantly complicates negotiations, especially given Nurse’s lengthy term and $9.25 million annual cap hit through the 2029-30 season.
Patience May Be Required
The Oilers clearly have a vision for reshaping their roster ahead of next season, but executing it won’t be easy.
Stauffer’s comments suggest the organization won’t move Nurse simply for the sake of making a trade. Instead, Edmonton appears focused on finding a deal that immediately improves the forward group while still allowing the club to replace some of Nurse’s defensive responsibilities with a more affordable, physical left-shot blueliner.
LeBrun’s reporting reinforces that Edmonton is actively pursuing that outcome, but as Stauffer noted, there remains no guarantee the right trade ever presents itself.
With free agency rapidly approaching, the Nurse situation remains one of the biggest storylines to watch around the Oilers. Whether Edmonton ultimately pulls off the blockbuster or enters next season with Nurse still anchoring its blue line may ultimately depend on whether management can find a trade that satisfies both the organization and the player.
Next: Alexander Nikishin Trade Market Heating Up as Carolina Weighs Multiple Offers
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