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The Edmonton Oilers are running out of time to resolve Darnell Nurse’s future before free agency. The trade discussions are entering what NHL analyst Darren Dreger described as a “desperation” phase.
Speaking on Edmonton Sports Talk, Dreger said Edmonton hoped to complete a deal before July 1 to create salary cap flexibility.
“That’s preferred. And it’s preferred by both sides here,” Dreger said. “For obvious reasons, the Edmonton Oilers want certainty so they’ve got flexibility. They know what they’re dealing with when they’re looking at the free-agent pool.”
MORE: Elliotte Friedman calls out Oilers owner for ‘parading players’ after Mike Babcock hiring
However, negotiations have stalled despite general manager Stan Bowman working through the three-team trade list submitted by Nurse. Per reports from NHL analyst Elliotte Friedman, the three teams are Boston, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia.
Speaking about the discussions with those teams, Dreger said, “The frustration going into the weekend was getting pretty high in Edmonton. Stan Bowman… had worked pretty hard with the three-team list that Darnell had submitted and got to a place with those three teams.”
Dreger explained why talks reached a standstill.
“It’s not an easy contract to take on. You like the player, but not at $9.2-plus million per year,” Dreger said.
Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse (25) looks up. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
According to Dreger, Bowman eventually pushed for answers after waiting on the interested teams.
“I think Bowman was approaching that point on Friday where he reached out to all three and said, ‘You know what? Get off the pot. We’ve got to find out,'” Dreger said. “Clearly, those three teams didn’t have the appetite to pull the trigger on Darnell Nurse.”
When no agreement emerged, Edmonton’s options became limited.
“What you do if you’re Edmonton management is go back to the agent and say, ‘Look, this isn’t going to fly here. We’ve exhausted our opportunity, and we just can’t find that sweet spot to make a deal work,'” Dreger said.
He added, “It’s reaching that area of desperation, I would think.”
Meanwhile, NHL analyst David Pagnotta has reported that the Oilers and Sharks have recently re-engaged in discussions, while the Ducks and Flyers remain involved. He noted that San Jose, like Anaheim, would still require Nurse’s approval.
“As I mentioned on DFO Live earlier this hour, some talk the Oilers & Sharks recently re-engaged in Nurse trade discussions,” Pagnotta posted on X. “Ducks & Flyers still in talks. SJ, like Ana, would need his blessing.”
From a hockey standpoint, Edmonton’s urgency is understandable. Nurse carries a $9.25 million cap hit through 2029-30, and moving that contract would reshape the team’s offseason plans. Bowman could pursue multiple roster upgrades instead of operating with limited flexibility.
MORE: Connor McDavid gets honest about Mike Babcock’s task as Oilers coach
Still, the Oilers cannot afford to force a bad trade. Nurse’s no-movement clause gives him complete control, while interested teams continue seeking salary retention. If Edmonton wants meaningful cap relief before free agency, convincing Nurse to expand his trade list may become the organization’s most important negotiation of the summer.
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Speaking on Edmonton Sports Talk, Dreger said Edmonton hoped to complete a deal before July 1 to create salary cap flexibility.
“That’s preferred. And it’s preferred by both sides here,” Dreger said. “For obvious reasons, the Edmonton Oilers want certainty so they’ve got flexibility. They know what they’re dealing with when they’re looking at the free-agent pool.”
MORE: Elliotte Friedman calls out Oilers owner for ‘parading players’ after Mike Babcock hiring
However, negotiations have stalled despite general manager Stan Bowman working through the three-team trade list submitted by Nurse. Per reports from NHL analyst Elliotte Friedman, the three teams are Boston, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia.
Speaking about the discussions with those teams, Dreger said, “The frustration going into the weekend was getting pretty high in Edmonton. Stan Bowman… had worked pretty hard with the three-team list that Darnell had submitted and got to a place with those three teams.”
Dreger explained why talks reached a standstill.
“It’s not an easy contract to take on. You like the player, but not at $9.2-plus million per year,” Dreger said.
The Oilers may need Nurse to expand his trade list
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Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse (25) looks up. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
According to Dreger, Bowman eventually pushed for answers after waiting on the interested teams.
“I think Bowman was approaching that point on Friday where he reached out to all three and said, ‘You know what? Get off the pot. We’ve got to find out,'” Dreger said. “Clearly, those three teams didn’t have the appetite to pull the trigger on Darnell Nurse.”
When no agreement emerged, Edmonton’s options became limited.
“What you do if you’re Edmonton management is go back to the agent and say, ‘Look, this isn’t going to fly here. We’ve exhausted our opportunity, and we just can’t find that sweet spot to make a deal work,'” Dreger said.
He added, “It’s reaching that area of desperation, I would think.”
Oilers have re-engaged with Sharks
Meanwhile, NHL analyst David Pagnotta has reported that the Oilers and Sharks have recently re-engaged in discussions, while the Ducks and Flyers remain involved. He noted that San Jose, like Anaheim, would still require Nurse’s approval.
“As I mentioned on DFO Live earlier this hour, some talk the Oilers & Sharks recently re-engaged in Nurse trade discussions,” Pagnotta posted on X. “Ducks & Flyers still in talks. SJ, like Ana, would need his blessing.”
From a hockey standpoint, Edmonton’s urgency is understandable. Nurse carries a $9.25 million cap hit through 2029-30, and moving that contract would reshape the team’s offseason plans. Bowman could pursue multiple roster upgrades instead of operating with limited flexibility.
MORE: Connor McDavid gets honest about Mike Babcock’s task as Oilers coach
Still, the Oilers cannot afford to force a bad trade. Nurse’s no-movement clause gives him complete control, while interested teams continue seeking salary retention. If Edmonton wants meaningful cap relief before free agency, convincing Nurse to expand his trade list may become the organization’s most important negotiation of the summer.
Continue reading...
