Darnell Nurse Could Fetch Strong Return for Oilers in Summer Trade Market

The Edmonton Oilers are weighing their options with defenseman Darnell Nurse, and the summer trade market could bring more value than expected. Despite a polarizing reputation among fans, Nurse’s experience and two-way abilities have drawn interest from multiple teams, including the San Jose Sharks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Detroit Red Wings. With four years and $56 million remaining on his contract, Nurse’s trade value is closely tied to cap flexibility and defensive needs in potential destinations.

Nurse, 31, signed an eight-year, $74 million extension with the Oilers in 2021, a contract that now has four years remaining. The 2026-27 season is the final year of his full no-movement clause. His contract structure, $11.6 million annually, makes him a high-impact but costly asset, but teams with cap space may see him as a key addition.

David Staples of the Edmonton Journal believes Nurse could bring real value in a trade and may not require the Oilers to swallow a significant salary retention fee. “I’m starting to think it’s a distinct possibility the Oilers will be able to get something of value in return for Nurse and won’t have to swallow much of a poison pill in terms of salary retention, maybe not anything at all.”

Staples adds that Nurse’s physicality and defensive instincts could be a perfect fit for a team in need of a two-way defender. He notes that the Oilers have struggled with playoff contention in recent seasons, and Nurse could be a valuable asset to another team looking to build. “For a team that has failed to make the playoffs in some time, a team with ample cap space and major holes on defence, a team in need of a big, tough, fierce and able two-way defender, Nurse is a solid bet.”

Nurse has averaged 21:30 minutes per game over the past two seasons and has maintained a plus-minus rating of +12 over that span. In the 2023-24 season, he recorded 14 points in 72 games and ranked among the league’s top 20 defensemen in hits per game.

The Maple Leafs, who have cap space and a need for defensive depth, have been linked to Nurse. The Sharks, coming off a strong playoff run, could also benefit from his physical presence. Detroit, in the early stages of a rebuild, might look at Nurse as a veteran leader.

Nurse’s trade value hinges on how much cap space and defensive need a team brings to the table. The Oilers, meanwhile, could secure a meaningful return if they decide to move on.

The NHL trade deadline is still months away, but as teams finalize their cap situations, interest in Nurse may grow. The Oilers could make a move as soon as July 15, when free agency begins and teams start finalizing their rosters.