The Edmonton Oilers are once again the center of the NHL rumor mill, with speculation swirling around Connor McDavid's future and the potential movement of defenseman Darnell Nurse. Here's a breakdown of the latest buzz surrounding the team:
McDavid's Future in Edmonton
Oilers fans have been holding their breath, awaiting any hints about Connor McDavid's intentions as he approaches the final year of his contract. The superstar is eligible to sign an extension, and the team has publicly stated their eagerness to get a deal done whenever he's ready.
Adding fuel to the fire, McDavid's wife, Lauren Kyle, recently commented on a social media post by former Oiler Connor Brown, who was saying goodbye to Edmonton fans. Kyle wrote "Oil for Life," which many fans interpreted as a major hint that the McDavids intend to stay in Edmonton for the long haul. While not a concrete confirmation of an eight-year extension, it's certainly sparked considerable optimism among the Oilers faithful.
McDavid himself has stated that winning a Stanley Cup is his top priority, and he acknowledges that Edmonton provides him with a good opportunity to achieve that goal. He's expressed that there's "unfinished business" with the Oilers core, who have been building towards a championship for a long time.
Darnell Nurse Trade Speculation
Rumors have also been circulating regarding the future of defenseman Darnell Nurse. It was reported that Oilers general manager Stan Bowman approached Nurse to inquire about his willingness to waive his no-trade clause. However, Nurse has seemingly shut down these rumors, posting a meme on Instagram referencing a song called "Why You Always Lying?". While not a direct denial, the timing and context strongly suggest that Nurse is refuting the reports that he was asked to waive his no-trade clause or that he is unwilling to do so.
Despite Nurse's apparent denial, the Oilers' management is reportedly looking to aggressively manage their cap structure and evaluate core players. With Evan Bouchard's recent contract extension, the Oilers have a significant portion of their salary cap tied up in a few players, including McDavid, Draisaitl, Bouchard and Nurse. This could mean that the Oilers are exploring all options to improve the roster and create more financial flexibility.
Other NHL Rumors
Beyond the Oilers, the NHL rumor mill is churning with other potential moves:
As the offseason progresses, expect more rumors and potential player movement as teams position themselves for the 2025-26 season.
