Report: Edmonton Oilers to Explore Darnell Nurse Trade

Darnell Nurse could be asked for a list of teams this summer.

Multiple reports have surfaced stating the Edmonton Oilers are going to be making drastic roster changes this summer, and Nurse has been the focal point of conversations. The veteran defenceman has not lived up to his contract, and with Connor McDavid's future hanging in the balance, the time is now for the Oilers to make some significant changes.

Nurse, 31, is signed through the 2030 season at a whopping $9.2 million AAV. He owns a full no-movement clause until the summer of 2028, when it goes down to a 10-team no-trade clause. It's very likely if Stan Bowman finds a home for Nurse this summer, he'll have to retain roughly 30% of the remaining money owed on his contract. 

Nurse appeared in all 82 games for the Oilers this season, scoring even goals and 24 points, while playing just under 21 minutes per night. Nurse also dressed in six Stanley Cup Playoff games against the Anaheim Ducks, and was held off the scoresheet, which was one of the many reasons the Oilers failed to get past the Ducks.

David Pagnotta: Re Oilers: Assuming Stan Bowman sticks around, and I believe that's the case, he's gonna explore trading Darnell Nurse again - Morning Cuppa Hockey (5/1)

It's hard to say at this point where Nurse would be open to being dealt, but one team to keep an eye on for defencemen is the San Jose Sharks. The Sharks only have two d-men signed for next season, and will be in the trade market looking to fill out their pairs for next season.

Photo credit:  Corinne Votaw-Imagn Images