The Edmonton Oilers' slow start to the 2025-26 season has become a worrying trend for fans, and Darnell Nurse's performance has been under particular scrutiny. While he has been a key player for the Oilers, his performance has made him more of a liability than an asset on the ice, as the team strives for a Stanley Cup.

Through the first six games of the season, the Oilers find themselves in the bottom third of the league standings with a 2-3-1 record. After starting with a 2-0-1 record, they have since gone on a three-game losing streak.

Nurse's Strengths and Weaknesses

Nurse's strengths lie in his puck-handling skills and offensive contributions. He confidently carries the puck and joins the offensive rush, adding a physical edge to the game. However, his defensive mindset has been lacking, with questionable decision-making and puck giveaways. His performance against the New Jersey Devils was particularly poor.

Inconsistency and Criticism

Nurse has faced criticism, mainly due to his large cap hit, making him one of the highest-paid defensemen in the NHL. He has been outplayed by Evan Bouchard, who has taken on the "number one" defenseman role. Nurse's inconsistency is a significant concern. While he has shown flashes of being a dominant two-way player, he has struggled to maintain that level of performance.

Team Performance and New Defensive Structure

The Oilers' struggles are not solely attributable to Nurse. Injuries to key players like Zach Hyman and Jake Walman have also impacted the team's performance. The implementation of a new defensive structure, the 1-3-1, has led to uninspired hockey, with the Oilers being out-chanced and outshot in most games. The Oilers' struggles extend beyond expected goals, as they are being outshot. The team's 47.06 GF% ranks in the middle of the pack, mirroring their 49.33 xGF%. Their high-danger chances against percentage (HDCF%) of 45.83% is fifth-worst in the league.

Potential Solutions and Pairings

To improve Nurse's performance, finding the right defensive partner is crucial. While he has had a strong expected goal share with Brett Kulak during the regular season, their postseason results have been subpar. A potential solution could be pairing Nurse with Jake Walman, with whom he has shown promise. In limited minutes together, they have achieved an 80% goal differential, with a 61% expected goal share.

Oilers' Defensive Outlook

Despite the early-season struggles, some analysts project the Oilers to have a top-tier defense in the 2025-26 season. However, the team's lack of depth on the right side remains a concern. The pairing of Bouchard and Mattias Ekholm is considered among the league's best.

The Road Ahead

The Oilers need Darnell Nurse to be more consistent to contend for the Stanley Cup. While his offensive capabilities and physical presence are valuable, he needs to improve his defensive mindset and decision-making. The team's success hinges on Nurse finding his form and the Oilers solidifying their defensive structure.