The rumor mill has been churning recently, with speculation swirling around Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse. Recent reports have linked Nurse to a potential trade, with the Toronto Maple Leafs mentioned as a possible destination. However, a prominent NHL insider has stepped in to address the situation, providing clarity on the likelihood of such a move.
TSN's Ryan Rishaug reported on X, formerly known as Twitter, that there is "nothing to" the recent speculation regarding Darnell Nurse's future with the Edmonton Oilers. Rishaug stated that while things can change quickly, as of now, a trade involving Nurse is "not a thing".
The rumors gained traction after a discussion on Canadian sports radio suggested a swap between Nurse and Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly. The hypothetical trade was presented as a potential "change of scenery solution" for both players. Nurse carries a $9.25 million annual cap hit and has faced criticism for inconsistent play despite his significant role in Edmonton. Rielly, with a $7.5 million annual cap hit, has long been considered Toronto's offensive leader on defense.
From Edmonton's perspective, acquiring Rielly could add mobility and transition offense, easing the pressure on their forwards. For Toronto, Nurse would bring size and defensive edge, although with a higher contract risk.
Adding fuel to the fire, it was reported in the past summer that the Oilers had quietly approached some players with no-trade or no-move clauses, including Nurse, to gauge their willingness to move. Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet noted that while Viktor Arvidsson agreed to waive his no-trade clause, Nurse was not interested in leaving Edmonton. Nurse, who is close to Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, has been a part of the Oilers' journey through tough times to becoming a contender and wants to see it through.
Darnell Nurse himself seemingly responded to the trade rumors with a viral meme on Instagram, further dismissing the claims.
The Oilers are looking to create cap space to sign Evan Bouchard to a new deal and potentially extend Connor McDavid's contract. They may also explore acquiring a top-six winger to play alongside McDavid or Leon Draisaitl.
While the insider reports suggest that a Darnell Nurse trade is unlikely at this time, the situation remains fluid. The Oilers' need to manage their salary cap and improve their roster could lead to further discussions and potential changes as the season progresses.
