Oilers' Darnell Nurse trade down to 3 teams

Darnell Nurse wants out of Edmonton, and Oilers GM Stan Bowman is going to grant his wish.

Nurse approached the Oilers' front office after the season and admitted he preferred a change of scenery, and Bowman's been working the phones ever since. Nurse is 31, has four years left on his deal at $9.2 million AAV, and owns a full no-movement clause on his contract, which changes next season to a list of 10 approved teams. The Oilers were very likely going to trade Nurse next summer, and were willing to wait it out, the defenceman however, had other ideas.

There's been plenty of trade rumors flying around, including a move that sees the Maple Leafs trade Morgan Rielly and Nick Robertson for Nurse, a move that would draw a lot of attention in both markets. Nurse has informed the Oilers not to bother talking trade with Western Conference teams, as his preference is to play in the Eastern Conference.

Elliotte Friedman: Re Darnell Nurse trade request: At this point in time, I'm just not sure he wants to go west - Oilers Now (6/23)

Two other teams to keep an eye on here are the Pittsburgh Penguins, who appear to be a clear favorite at this point, and the Philadelphia Flyers. Nurse has ties to the Philly area, and could be interested in playing closer to home. It also helps that the Flyers are in the market for defencemen, and especially on the left side, and could move Rasmus Ristolainen to the Oilers in the package.

Nick Kypreos: Re Darnell Nurse trade request: I'm hearing his preference right now is Philadelphia where he has family ties; the rival Penguins may also be a factor here - Sportsnet (6/22)

Nurse on the move, trade talks heating up, and expect to see Bowman pull the trigger on a move by Friday's NHL Draft. Both sides want to get this done before free agency opens on July 1.