Penguins & Oilers Working On Significant Trade

Keep an eye on the Pittsburgh Penguins and Edmonton Oilers. After making a big trade last season involving Tristan Jarry and Stuart Skinner, turns out Stan Bowman and Kyle Dubas may not be finished doing business together.Multiple reports have surfaced that defenceman Darnell Nurse prefers to join the Penguins, which could work out in Bowman's favor. Nurse has requested a trade, holds a full no-movement clause, and Pittsburgh does have interest in the 31-year-old blueliner, so the stars could be aligning here.

As far as what's in play, winger Bryan Rust is someone the Oilers have heavy interest in. Rust, 34, has two seasons left on his contract at $5.1 million AAV, and doesn't hold any trade protection. Rust appeared in 72 games last season, scoring 29 goals and 65 points. He averaged 19:56 of ice-time per game, including playing on both sides of special teams, and would immediately jump onto the Oilers' top line with Connor McDavid. It also lets Zach Hyman move down a line to balance their top-six out, alongside Leon Draisaitl.

David Pagnotta: Pittsburgh may be No.1 on Darnell Nurse’s list of five teams he would waive for - Fourth Period (6/18)

As for Nurse, he is signed through the 2030 season at $9.2 million AAV. The Penguins enter the offseason with $37.8 million in cap space, but with many holes to fill on their roster, including finding a number one goaltender, and adding to the bottom six. Losing Rust would put a giant hole on the right side of their top six, but Dubas loves Nurse's game, and the two have known each other for a very long time, dating back to Sault St. Marie.

Nurse for Rust straight up isn't a fair trade. It will be interesting to see what else is involved if this deal materializes.