EDMONTON – Silly is as silly does.
Hockey fans are living in the age of “silly season,” the time when every Joe Blow, his dog, and kids have an opinion on what their favorite team should do in the offseason.
Edmonton Oilers fans are no different.
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After a second consecutive heartbreak series loss to the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final, fans are clamoring for more movement and creating a roster that can finally squash the Panthers' hot streak.
Trades are one of the primary ways that a team can improve. One player that the Oilers might consider trading is Darnell Nurse. Nurse had a great regular season but had an unfortunate playoff performance. He is a highly competitive athlete who does more good than harm.
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EDMONTON – It’s the season of changes.
Unfortunately for the Oilers, they need to move out dollars to bring in more secondary scoring and increase the depth of their bottom-six forward group. One of the ways they can accomplish both of those things is by trading Nurse.
Here are a few potential trade destinations for Nurse. These are teams that have the cap space to make a deal happen, need a defenseman, and/or have a connection with Nurse.
*Note: This is entirely speculative. For the record, it’s my personal belief that the Oilers should keep Nurse.
Carolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes are doing their due diligence. It seems like they are poking around all of the big free agents available right now. They are currently sitting at just under $27 million in available cap space with Brent Burns and Dmitri Orlov as unsigned defenders.
It’s being speculated that Orlov is unlikely to return to the organization, leaving a hole on the left side of their defense. They have Jaccob Slavin and Shayne Gostisbehere as lefties already, with Alexander Nikishin waiting in the wings.
Utah Mammoth
The Utah Mammoth have already made a splash by acquiring JJ Peterka. There is no doubt that there are more conversations in the organization about how they can push to make the playoffs next season.
They have a shade under $15 million in cap space with 36-year-old Robert Bortuzzo being the only defender with an expiring deal. Their best defender is leftie Mikhail Sergachev, so Nurse would certainly give their team a boost on the back end.
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins appear to be rebuilding after trading their captain, Brad Marchand, at the deadline. They aren’t likely pushing for a playoff position for the 2025-26 season.
That being said, they have $23 million (ish) in cap space with only five defenders signed for the upcoming season. Nurse has a bite to his game that might make him an appealing piece to add to their team.
Pittsburgh Penguins
The Pittsburgh Penguins are another team seeking to rebuild. With that being said, Nurse has a connection with current GM Kyle Dubas. Dubas drafted him for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds team in the OHL.
The Penguins have just under $23 million in salary cap space and Ryan Graves as their best left-handed defender. Nurse would have an opportunity to become a vital part of the Penguins organization and get to play a ton of minutes.
Detroit Red Wings
There are a few reasons why the Detroit Red Wings would be the best fit as a trade destination.
They have some cap space ($21 million), a head coach with whom Nurse is very familiar (Todd McLellan), and a desire to improve their defensive group. Nurse would add some grit, offense, and great skating ability to a team that could utilize all of those assets.
Additionally, Nurse would be closer to home, as Michigan is a hop, skip, and a jump away from Ontario.
Nurse could spend the rest of his career in an Oilers uniform (and don’t forget about his no movement clause) and I wouldn’t bat an eye. However, if he is going to be moved, and if it is going to be this offseason, these are the most likely destinations.
Silly season, indeed.
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