$7M Forwards on Oilers’ Radar Amid Darnell Nurse Trade Talks

If the Edmonton Oilers ultimately trade Darnell Nurse, the return likely won’t be centered around another defenceman.

During Oilers Now, Bob Stauffer suggested that if Edmonton moves Nurse, the ideal scenario would involve acquiring a forward earning roughly $7 million annually. The remaining cap space could then be used to add a hard-nosed, left-shot defenceman in the $2-3 million range, effectively redistributing Nurse’s $9.25 million cap hit across two impact players.

It’s an intriguing strategy, but finding the right fit won’t be easy. Most players in that salary range are core pieces for their current organizations, meaning any deal would almost certainly require draft picks, prospects, or additional assets beyond Nurse. It is also worth noting that none of these proposals are intended as one-for-one swaps. Instead, they represent the type of player Edmonton could target if the right opportunity presents itself.

Mason McTavish

If Anaheim were willing to listen, Mason McTavish would immediately become one of Edmonton’s most intriguing targets.

The 22-year-old brings size, physicality, scoring ability, and positional versatility, capable of playing both center and wing. His hard-nosed style would fit perfectly in playoff hockey, and he could thrive alongside Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl.

Anaheim would undoubtedly demand a decent package beyond Nurse, making this one of the more difficult deals to construct, but McTavish possesses the type of upside worth paying for.

Alex DeBrincat

Detroit already has scoring depth, but Edmonton could view Alex DeBrincat as the elite finisher it has lacked outside of its superstars.

DeBrincat has proven capable of scoring 40 goals in the NHL and would give the Oilers another legitimate offensive weapon on the wing. His speed and finishing ability could make Edmonton’s already-dangerous power play even more lethal.

The Red Wings would almost certainly require premium futures in addition to Nurse, but acquiring a proven top-line scorer would significantly reshape the Oilers’ forward group.

Elias Lindholm

Elias Lindholm may be one of the more realistic fits if Boston decides to pivot in a different direction.

Lindholm’s two-way game, faceoff ability, and defensive awareness make him an ideal playoff player. He could slot into Edmonton’s top six while also taking difficult defensive assignments, allowing McDavid and Draisaitl more offensive freedom.

His experience playing both center and wing would also give head coach Mike Babcock additional lineup flexibility.

Alexis Lafrenière

Alexis Lafrenière continues to develop into the power forward many expected when he was selected first overall.

Still just 24 years old, Lafrenière combines skill with physicality and has shown he can produce in high-pressure situations. If the Rangers were looking to address their blue line while managing future cap commitments, Edmonton could at least explore the possibility.

Like McTavish, however, this would require a substantial package beyond Nurse.

Brock Boeser and Tom Wilson

Two additional names worth watching are Brock Boeser and Tom Wilson.

Boeser would immediately bolster Edmonton’s secondary scoring with his elite shot and proven finishing ability. Wilson, meanwhile, offers something the Oilers have searched for throughout the McDavid era—a legitimate top-six power forward who plays with edge, leadership, and playoff intensity while still contributing offensively.

Both players would address different needs, and either acquisition would dramatically change Edmonton’s identity heading into next season.

Finding the Right Balance

The challenge for Oilers general manager Stan Bowman won’t simply be moving Nurse—it will be maximizing the return.

Stauffer’s vision of replacing one expensive contract with two impactful contributors makes plenty of sense on paper, but executing it will require creativity. Any deal involving a player in the $6-8 million range will almost certainly include additional assets such as draft picks, prospects, or retained salary.

If Edmonton can pull it off, however, it could transform the roster into a deeper, more balanced team built for another Stanley Cup run.

Next: 6 Blockbuster NHL Trades We’re Expecting Any Minute Now