Oilers' Nurse is Worth Every Penny of His Contract

Caleb Kerney

Jul 8, 2023, 14:44

Caleb Kerney

Jul 8, 2023, 14:44

The Edmonton Oilers defender is worth his $9.25-million contract.

Darnell Nurse is an important cog in the Edmonton Oilers blue line. The 6-foot-4 and 221-pound 7th overall pick from 2013 has been the team's number one defenceman in time on ice for the past several years. When he is on the ice, the Oilers out-shoot and out-chance their opponents.

The Oilers have a unique player and they are paying for that uniqueness in the $9.25-million cap hit contract. Nurse brings a unique blend of skating, size, skill and physicality that makes the high price point worth every penny.

He's Physical & Skilled

Nurse can skate like the wind. His skating helps him escape forechecking pressure and exit the defensive zone. It also allows him to create offence. He can jump up into the play at a moments notice and score tap-in goals off of the rush.

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He's coming off of his best offensive season for the Oilers in 2022-23. Along with that skill comes his brand of physical play. With 164 blocks and 146 hits this year, he is engaged when he is on the ice.

Nurse Produces Even Strength Offence

The Oilers power play is the NHL's worst kept secret. Everyone knows that they are dangerous with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl on the ice with the man advantage. The team doesn't need help with their power play.

Over the past three seasons he has 14 power play points out of his 114 points. With six shorthanded points that leaves 94 even strength points over that time frame. That has him ranked first in 5-on-5 points among all Oilers defencemen.

Out of all of the Oilers defencemen last season, Nurse also ranks first in points per 60 minutes (P60) with 1.22. Right behind him was Evan Bouchard at 1.21. Bouchard had the luxury of 13 power play points this season to add to his even strength production.

Fans might not be happy with the price of the Nurse contract - but you can be happy with the value that he brings to the team. Even if the Oilers could trade him to open up cap space, they would be hard pressed to find another defender who brings all the same qualities to the team as Nurse.