Report: Darnell Nurse Requests Trade From Edmonton Oilers

Edmonton Oilers defenceman Darnell Nurse

We’ve heard the rumors for some time now that the Edmonton Oilers were hoping to trade longtime defenceman Darnell Nurse this offseason. Now, the feeling is mutual.

Insider Elliotte Friedman and Marc Spector of Sportsnet are reporting that Nurse has had enough, and wants out.

Darnell Nurse has requested a trade from the Oilers, per @FriedgeHNIC and @SportsnetSpec. pic.twitter.com/Xv6YfaJN6n
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 11, 2026

According to multiple sources, the defenceman recently went to the organization and said he would like to be traded. He now feels it is time for him to move on.

In addition, say the sources, Nurse has given the Oilers a list of 3-5 teams he would consider. Fellow insider David Pagnotta adds that the LA Kings and Pittsburgh Penguins are two of the teams on that list. Kings GM Ken Holland is the man who handed Nurse his current eight-year, $74M contract, while Pens GM Kyle Dubas was Nurse's GM with Sault Ste. Marie in the OHL in junior hockey.

The 31-year-old D-man has spent his entire 12-year career with the Oilers, and still has four years remaining on his long-term contract, at a $9.25 million AAV.

That deal also comes with a full no-trade clause until next season, so he has control over the situation, hence the short list of landing spots.

Nurse is seventh in Oilers franchise history in games played with 798, while recording 88 goals, 324 points, 1,466 blocked shots and 1,692 hits. He carries a career plus/minus rating of +66.

This season, he had his lowest points output, 24, in nine years.

While the Oilers are also embroiled in controversy over the potential hiring of Mike Babcock as their new head coach, there is no word on whether Nurse's trade request is in any way connected.