Recent rumors suggesting a potential trade involving Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse have been refuted by multiple insiders, providing clarity amidst swirling speculation. The chatter gained momentum following hints from Oilers radio host Bob Stauffer and a social media post by former NHLer Jordan Schmaltz, which suggested Nurse could be on the move. Fueling the fire was an unsubstantiated report linking Nurse to the Pittsburgh Penguins in a trade for goaltender Tristan Jarry. However, these rumors have been widely dismissed by prominent hockey insiders.
TSN's Ryan Rishaug was among the first to quell the speculation, stating, "Lots of chatter in various circles about Darnell Nurse last night and this morning. My understanding is there's nothing to it at this point. Lots can change quickly but as of now it's not a thing". This sentiment was echoed by Elliotte Friedman, who said on his "32 Thoughts Podcast," "I'm not buying any of the Darnell Nurse noise, I think he's staying in Edmonton". Darren Dreger of TSN also shut down the rumors, emphasizing that the Oilers have no interest in trading Nurse.
The rumors likely emerged due to the Oilers' need to create cap space as they look to improve their roster and potentially extend Connor McDavid's contract. Nurse's $9.25 million average annual value (AAV) contract, which runs through the 2029-30 season, has been a subject of criticism, with some fans viewing it as an overpayment. Despite the criticism, Nurse remains a key part of the Oilers' defensive core and a close friend of McDavid.
Darnell Nurse also holds a no-movement clause through the 2026-27 season, giving him full control over his playing future. After that, his contract turns into a 10-team trade list. This means that unless Nurse agrees to be traded, he will remain in Edmonton for at least the next two seasons.
While the Oilers have made some moves to free up cap space, such as trading Viktor Arvidsson to the Boston Bruins, moving Nurse is not currently part of their plans. The team recently re-signed forward Trent Frederic to an eight-year contract and lost Corey Perry and Connor Brown in free agency.
