Edmonton Oilers Weigh Cost of Trading Darnell Nurse Amid Concerns Over Connor McDavid's Future

The Edmonton Oilers are facing a pivotal decision as rumors swirl about trading defenseman Darnell Nurse, with concerns rising that such a move could cost the team its star player, Connor McDavid. With the Oilers struggling through a disappointing season and Nurse’s contract becoming a focal point, the team is weighing the potential fallout of moving on from one of their longest-tenured players.

Nurse, who has been with the Oilers since 2016, is under contract for $6 million per season through the 2028-29 season. His contract, which includes a no-move clause, gives him final say on any trade. Despite this, insiders such as Jason Gregor of Sports 1440 and Daily Faceoff’s Matt Larkin have suggested the Oilers are exploring options to move him. Meanwhile, David Staples of the Edmonton Journal believes a trade could still happen if the right offer comes along.

The challenge lies in the support Nurse has received from within the locker room. Jason Gregor noted that while the organization is open to trading Nurse, the leadership group, which includes McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, has not been as enthusiastic. McDavid and Draisaitl have been vocal in the past about standing up for teammates, and there’s little doubt they would express concern if a Nurse trade became a reality.

Nurse, who ranks among the NHL’s top defensemen in ice time and defensive zone starts, has been a key contributor to the Oilers’ success in recent years. In the 2024-25 season, he averaged 23:42 of ice time per game, third among all defensemen, while playing a crucial role in the team’s top power-play unit. His impact on the ice is undeniable, and his absence could leave a noticeable void in both structure and leadership.

The bigger question, however, is whether trading Nurse is worth the risk of losing McDavid. The two have been close since their early days in Edmonton, even sharing a room during training camp in 2021. McDavid has repeatedly stated he wants to win a Stanley Cup for the Oilers organization and for his teammates. If the Oilers move Nurse, a player McDavid has fought for, it could send a message that the team is willing to sacrifice relationships for short-term gains.

“If the Oilers angered Nurse to the point he felt unwanted and said bon voyage,” writes the source, “or if they pushed until he agreed, how well do you think that sits with someone like McDavid? Not well, and that’s a problem.”

The Oilers’ management now must decide if shedding Nurse’s $6 million cap hit is worth the potential risk of alienating their franchise player. The trade market for Nurse remains active, with several teams interested in adding a two-way defenseman with playoff experience. But if the move happens without careful handling, it could trigger a chain reaction that could cost Edmonton more than just a player, it could cost them their future.