Darnell Nurse's Approved Trade List Leaked — Penguins, Kings Among Potential Destinations

The Edmonton Oilers have been handed a trade list for defenseman Darnell Nurse, who has requested a move, and two teams have been revealed as potential destinations: the Pittsburgh Penguins and Los Angeles Kings. The leak comes from insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, who reports that Nurse has given his approval for talks with both clubs.

Nurse, 27, has been a key part of Edmonton’s defense since being acquired from the New York Islanders in 2019. However, his $7.5 million cap hit for the 2025–26 season has become a burden for the Oilers, who are looking to restructure their salary cap. Nurse’s performance dipped in the 2024–25 season, with just six goals and 24 assists in 82 games, down from his peak 2021–22 season where he posted 18 goals and 38 assists.

The Kings’ inclusion on the list is no surprise, given the connection between Nurse and general manager Ken Holland. Holland was the one who signed Nurse to a six-year, $42 million contract in 2020. The Kings, who finished 23rd in defensive zone starts in 2024–25, could use a top-pairing defenseman like Nurse to bolster their blue line.

Meanwhile, the Penguins are believed to be interested due to their connection with Nurse’s junior career. GM Kyle Dubas worked with Nurse in the Ontario Hockey League with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds from 2011 to 2014. Dubas has shown a preference for OHL alumni, and Nurse could fit in a top-four role alongside a reeling Penguins defense that ranked 24th in goals against per game in 2024–25.

In addition to the Penguins and Kings, the San Jose Sharks and Philadelphia Flyers are also rumored to be on Nurse’s approved list. However, sources indicate that Oilers GM Stan Bowman is not looking to retain salary in a potential trade, a significant hurdle given Nurse’s contract.

“TPF has learned the Pittsburgh Penguins and Los Angeles Kings are two teams he would be willing to sign off for, and the connections seem clear as to why,” Pagnotta said.

The Oilers are expected to shop Nurse before the July 15 trade deadline, but the market will depend on which team is willing to absorb his full cap hit. With the Kings and Penguins showing interest, a blockbuster move is possible, and fans in both cities will be watching closely.

The next step for the Oilers is to gauge serious offers from the Kings, Penguins, and other suitors. A trade could come as early as the next few days or wait until the deadline. For now, Nurse’s future remains uncertain, but the dominoes are starting to fall.