4 Potential Trade Destinations for Darnell Nurse
Darnell Nurse, a 31-year-old defenseman for the Edmonton Oilers, may be available for trade after a season where he recorded 24 points, his lowest since 2017-18. Reports indicate both the player and the club agree a change is in the best interest of all parties involved.
Why is Darnell Nurse being considered for a trade?
Nurse carries a $9.25 million cap hit, a figure that reports suggest is unsustainable given his recent performance. He finished the most recent season as a minus player for the first time since 2019-20.
Analysis indicates that interest from other teams could spike if Edmonton retains a portion of his salary. For example, recasting Nurse as a $7-million defenseman with four years remaining on his deal could increase his appeal.
Which teams are potential landing spots for Nurse?
The Pittsburgh Penguins are a possible destination due to a pre-existing connection between Nurse and GM Kyle Dubas from their time with the OHL’s Soo Greyhounds. Pittsburgh faces significant roster flux as veterans Erik Karlsson, Kris Letang, and Evgeni Malkin approach the ends of their contracts or careers.
The Boston Bruins could target Nurse to fit their tough identity and pair him with Nikita Zadorov. A potential swap could involve 25-year-old Lohrei, who has one year left on his contract, providing Edmonton with another large defenseman.
Winnipeg may consider Nurse to add size to a mobile but undersized defensive corps featuring Josh Morrissey, Neal Pionk, and Dylan DeMelo. He could potentially slot in beside Elias Salomonsson, a right-shot defenseman recovering from shoulder surgery.
The San Jose Sharks are another option following their Wednesday acquisition of Michael Kesselring. San Jose has only two defensemen under contract for next season who played 70+ games: Dmitry Orlov and Sam Dickinson.
How would Nurse fit into these different rosters?
In Winnipeg, Nurse would represent a return to the “bruiser” style of defense previously seen with players like Jacob Trouba, Ben Chiarot, Dustin Byfuglien, and Tyler Myers. He would likely serve as an over-qualified third-pair defenseman.
In San Jose, Nurse could line up on the left side while Orlov and Kesselring handle the right. This arrangement would allow 20-year-old Dickinson to develop before moving up the pairing depth chart.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Darnell Nurse’s physical dimensions and age?
Nurse is 31 years old, stands six-foot-four, and weighs 215 pounds.
What was Nurse’s point total last season?
He posted 24 points, which is his lowest total since the 2017-18 season.
Who are the current primary defensemen for the Winnipeg Jets?
The Jets’ defense is headlined by Josh Morrissey, Neal Pionk, and Dylan DeMelo.
Do you think the Oilers should retain salary to facilitate a Darnell Nurse trade?