NHL Trade Rumors: Sharks Make Trade Offers for Oilers' Darnell Nurse
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The Edmonton Oilers' blueline will look a little different next season, as veteran Darnell Nurse has requested a trade. Nurse admits he's ready for a change of scenery, and general manager Stan Bowman is now tasked with facilitating a trade for his most expensive d-man.
Insert the San Jose Sharks. GM Mike Grier is looking to fill out his defense core, as the Sharks only have two defencemen signed to NHL contracts for next season. Nurse fits the bill as a potential target, and also helps that San Jose has a boatload of cap space, and need to add salary just to reach the floor.
Oilers need to make smart decision when trading Nurse.
— Jason Gregor (@JasonGregor) June 11, 2026
Always available. Has only missed 18 games the past 9 seasons.
Can log big minutes. Skates well. Is physical.
Can chip in offensively at 5x5. He is 40th in EV goals and points among Dmen the past three seasons.
He's not a #1…
Don't expect to see the Sharks overpay though. It's very likely Grier has offered a second-round pick for Nurse, and if they're open to taking on the full contract, Bowman and the Oilers may be open to just get rid of Nurse's contract for a pick.
The Oilers are tight for cap space, and they're trying to find a starting goaltender, and a first-line right-winger to play with Connor McDavid. They've been linked to Alex Tuch on the free-agent market, along with Bobby McMann and Michael Bunting. Edmonton has also been a team linked to St. Louis Blues' forward Jordan Kyrou on the trade market.
Keep an eye on the Sharks, they make complete sense as a destination Nurse would welcome. He owns a full no-movement clause, but is open to a trade and won't hold the Oilers hostage. At $9.2 million AAV for four more seasons, you can't blame Edmonton for trying to get out from under Nurse's contract.
Photo credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
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